#131 Modifier 59 Explained: Correct Uses, Wrong Uses, and How to Avoid Costly Denials

11/11/2025 10 min Episodio 131
#131 Modifier 59 Explained: Correct Uses, Wrong Uses, and How to Avoid Costly Denials

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Episode Synopsis

Free Resource:Make sure eligibility isn’t causing preventable denials. Download the free Eligibility Checklist → https://natrevmd.com/eligibility-billing-verification/Modifier 59 is one of the most overused—and misunderstood—modifiers in medical billing. In this episode, Dr. Heather Signorelli breaks down exactly when 59 is appropriate, when it isn’t, and why using it on labs (like a UA) is a major compliance mistake.You’ll learn:The real CPT and Medicare definition of modifier 59When to use 59 vs the X-modifiersWhy adding 59 rarely changes payment but can flip denialsThe most common misuse patternsClinical examples from urgent care, ortho, GI, and OB/GYNHow to document a truly “distinct procedural service”Need a billing partner who understands this?Learn more at NatRevMD.com. 

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