Ophthalmic Coding Specialist Practice Test

Which modifier is used for an unrelated procedure by the same physician during the postoperative period?

1. -50

2. -57

3. -78

4. -79

The correct answer is: -79

The modifier that indicates an unrelated procedure performed by the same physician during the postoperative period is the -79 modifier. This modifier specifically designates that the procedure in question is not associated with the previous surgery and, therefore, requires separate consideration for billing purposes. When a physician performs a procedure that is unrelated to the surgery already conducted, using the -79 modifier helps to clarify that the new procedure is distinct from the surgical service that preceded it. This distinction is important to ensure that the services are appropriately coded and billed, allowing the payer to understand that the two services should not be bundled or considered part of the original postoperative care. Understanding the context of this modifier is essential. Options that refer to other modifiers like -50, -57, or -78 pertain to different situations—such as bilateral procedures, surgical decision-making preceding a major surgery, or unplanned return to the operating room due to complications. Therefore, while they are important in their own right, they do not apply to the scenario of an unrelated procedure during the postoperative period.