Reporting modifier 78 for a staged procedure? Expect denials.

When it comes to appending CPT® modifiers to your codes, the rules can be daunting, and Medicare’s regulations only compound the confusion. But if you’re up to speed on these key modifier billing practices, you’ll be raking in deserved pay.

Check out the following five tips to ensure that you aren’t missing any opportunities.

1. Don’t Avoid Modifier 26.

If your physician provides an interpretation and report for an x-ray or other radiological service in the treatment of a patient, that’s not always just part of his E/M—in some cases, you can separately bill for the interpretation and report by appending modifier 26 (Professional component) to the CPT® code.

Typically, the technologist that performed the patient’s x-ray will bill the code — such as 71010 (Radiologic examination, chest; single view, frontal) — with modifier TC (Technical component) to indicate that he is billing for the equipment, room charge, film and radiologic technician, but not for the physician’s interpretation. If the physician who renders the interpretation is with a separate professional group and is not a hospital employee, you should report the service with modifier 26 to obtain his proper share of the reimbursement.

2. Know the Difference Between Modifiers 58 and 78.

Because both modifier 58 and 78 describe procedures performed during another surgery’s global period, it can be easy to confuse them. But differentiating between the two can mean the difference between collecting your due and filing endless appeals.

Key: You’ll report modifier 78 (Unplanned return to the operating room for a related procedure during the postoperative period) when conditions arising from the initial surgery (complications) rather than the patient’s condition...

Checklist Extra: The physician’s credentials have a role to play, too.

Your CPT® coding may be spick and span, but if you fail to fulfill your physician signature requirements, your claims could end up in hot waters because not following these rules can trigger audits and other compliance headaches. Getting your provider to sign your patient’s charts is a basic documentation prerequisite that calls for your relentless compliance.

Basic: The treating physician’s signature serves as a legible identifier for the provided/ordered services. Payers require that the signature must be present in the documentation that comes with your claim.

Check out the following Q&A and find out why stamped signatures just won’t do you any good.

Get to the Bottom line Of Handwritten vs. Electronic Signatures

Question 1: Some of our physicians use handwritten signatures on their charts and others prefer electronic signatures. Is either kind acceptable?

Answer 1: According to CMS,, “Medicare requires a legible identifier for services provided/ordered.” That “identifier” — or signature — can be electronic or handwritten, as long as the provider meets certain criteria. Legible first and last names, a legible first initial with last name, or even an illegible signature over a printed or typed name are acceptable. You’re also covered if the provider’s signature is illegible but is on a page with other information identifying the signer such as a typed name.

“Also be sure to include the provider’s credentials,” says Cindy Hinton, CPC, CCP, CHCC, founder of Advanced Coding Solutions in Franklin, Tenn. “The credentials themselves can be with the signature or they can be identified elsewhere on the note.”

Example: Pre-printed forms might include the physician’s name and credentials at the top, side, or...