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June 2020

Use appropriate modifier for unplanned and unrelated surgical procedures performed within surgical global period

Add modifier 78 for unplanned procedures
It may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed by the same physician during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). When this procedure is related to the first and requires the use of an operating or procedure room, report it by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure.  

Add modifier 79 for unrelated procedures or services  
The physician may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. Report this situation by using modifier 79.

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*CPT codes, descriptions and two-digit numeric modifiers only are copyright 2019 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.