CPT modifier used for repeat procedure by another physician. The physician may need to indicate that a basic procedure performed by another physician had to be repeated. This situation may be reported by adding modifier -77 to the repeated service. This modifier may affect reimbursement, depending on the payer.

CPT modifier used for return to the operating room for a related procedure during the postoperative period. The physician may need to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure. When this subsequent procedure is related to the first and requires the use of the operating room, it may be reported by adding the modifier -78 to the related procedure. (For repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier -76 .) This modifier may affect reimbursement, depending on the payer.

CPT modifier used for unrelated procedure or service by the same physician during the postoperative period. The physician may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. This circumstance may be reported by using the modifier -79. (For repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier -76 .) This modifier may affect reimbursement, depending on the payer.

CPT modifier used for assistant surgeon. Surgical assistant services may be identified by adding the modifier -80 to the usual procedure number(s). This modifier may affect reimbursement. Some insurance policies do not include payment for assistant surgeons such as for 1-day surgery but do pay for major or complex surgical assistance. In some instances, prior approval may be indicated due to the patient’s physiologic condition. Medicare will not pay assistant surgeons for operations that are not life threatening. Therefore Medigap insurance will not pay on this service because the service is nonallowable. Assisting surgeons usually charge 16% to 30% of the primary surgeon’s fee.

Period beginning on a specific date (e.g., June 15) of any calendar month and ending on a day (July 14) of the next succeeding calendar month.