June 6, 2019

Question:

My surgeon uses the intraoperative ultrasound to assist with a brain tumor removal. I am billing 76998 with modifier 26 for the professional component.  Sometimes we don’t get paid.  Should I appeal these denials?

Answer:

No….actually, intraoperative ultrasound is included in the global surgical package for the neurosurgeon and should not even be separately reported.  So not only should you not appeal the denials, you shouldn’t even be billing the code.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 06/06/19.