The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services acknowledges that there are code combinations that may warrant an exception in reporting based on clinical documentation. Coders tend to err on the side ...

Modifiers describe special circumstances without changing the definition or meaning of the code used to report services. Modifiers are added to CPT or HCPCS codes. Modifiers are like playing Monopoly.

While the -51 modifier is not an acceptable modifier for ASC use, some ASC carrier contracts/billing policies require it. Unless a facility is required to report the -51 modifier per written directive ...