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By: Patrice Johnson
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Question:
In the CCI, 32551 is the column one code and 71020 is the column two code. Can modifier 59 be assigned to 71020 in this case?
32551
71020
Answer:
In a recently issued provider-information memo, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) stated that modifier 59 should be reported with 71020 if, later in the day following the insertion of a chest tube, the patient develops a high fever, and a chest x-ray is performed to rule out pneumonia. However, the modifier should not be reported with 71020 if the chest x-ray performed follows insertion of a chest tube in order to verify correct placement.
Radiology Coding Education Corner