February 10, 2022

Question:
If one of our physicians performed a septoplasty and sinus surgery and then the patient comes in the office for a 31237 (endoscopic sinus debridement), would we use a modifier 79 (unrelated procedure in a global period) or 58 (staged/anticipated procedure in a global)?

Answer:
You’ll use modifier 79. The debridements are unrelated (modifier 79) to the procedure for which you are in a global period (septoplasty, 30520, 90 day global period).

*This response is based on the best information available as of 02/10/22.