December 3, 2020

Question:
My physician placed a permanent neurostimulator via laminectomy 6 days after the trial neurostimulator. I know I need to append a modifier to CPT code 63655 but do I use Modifier 78 or 79?

Answer:
You would not use either one. You would use Modifier 58 which is a staged or related procedure during the postoperative period of the trial neurostimulator if a permanent SCS is placed in the global period of the trial. The trial neurostimulator has a 10 day global.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 12/03/20.