2011 adds a new modifier to your coding arsenal and updates the descriptors for several others you might often use.
Get ready for modifier GU (Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, routine notice). You might have times when it’s appropriate to report modifier GU instead of the revised standby modifier GA (Waiver of liability statement on file; individual). Medicare hasn’t yet provided instructions for correctly reporting modifier G, but watch for updates in future issues of Neurology and Pain Management Coding Alert.
Three modifiers now include non-physician providers in the descriptors: 76 (Repeat procedure or service by same physician or non-physician provider), 77 (Repeat procedure or service by another physician or non-physician provider), and 78 (Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or non-physician providerfollowing initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period). In previous years, some payers didn’t allow non-physician providers to report their services with these modifiers since they specifically addressed “physician” care. Updating the descriptors should make it easier for you to report situations represented by modifiers 76, 77, or 78 to your payers.
