Modifier 78 Definition: “Unplanned return to the operating or procedure room by the same physician following initial procedure for a related procedure during the post-operative period.” Modifier 79 Definition: “Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician during a post-operative period.”

What is modifier 79 used for?

A new post-operative period begins when the unrelated procedure is billed. We follow the American Medical Association coding guidelines and require the use of Modifier 79 to show that the second procedure by the same physician is unrelated to a prior procedure for which the post-operative period has not been completed.

What is modifier 79 medical billing?

Modifier 79 is appended to a procedure code to indicate that the service is an unrelated procedure that was performed by the same physician during a post-operative period. … Modifier 79 is an informational modifier. No additional documentation is required to be submitted with the claim.