tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2023 Issue Q3

Reader Questions: Use Modifier 51 With Caution

Question: When our surgeon performs FNA with ultrasound guidance at two anatomic sites on the same day, should we report 10005 with modifier 51? Wisconsin Subscriber Answer: No, you should not use modifier 51 (Multiple procedures) in this case. Here’s why: CPT® provides different codes for an initial fine needle aspiration (FNA) and any subsequent FNAs for a different anatomic site on a single date of service. Use the following codes: 10005 (Fine needle aspiration biopsy, including ultrasound guidance; first lesion) +10006 (… each additional lesion (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)) Medicare states that...

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