Modifier 78 - Part 3

Modifier 78 - Part 3

In Part 3 of our Modifier 78 series, KZA Coding Expert Christine Banks breaks down the most common pitfalls and mistakes she sees with unplanned returns to the operating room—and how to avoid them. From confusing Modifiers 58, 78, and 79 to misunderstanding global periods, operative settings, and complication diagnosis coding, Christine shares practical tips to help practices reduce denials, capture appropriate reimbursement, and stay compliant. This episode is packed with real-world guidance and workflow strategies that coders, providers, and practice managers can put to work immediately.

Modifier 78 - Part 2

In Part 2 of our Modifier 78 series, KZA Coding Expert Christine Banks takes a deeper dive into the documentation requirements that support an unplanned return to the operating room during the global period. Christine explains the four key elements every operative note should include, discusses the importance of complication-specific diagnosis coding, and walks through real-world examples from general surgery, orthopedics, and ophthalmology. This episode provides practical guidance to help ensure Modifier 78 claims are properly documented, appropriately reimbursed, and able to withstand payer scrutiny.

Modifier 78 - Part 1

We’re kicking off our four-part series on Modifier 78 with KZA Coding Expert Christine Banks. In this first episode, Christine lays the foundation by explaining what Modifier 78 is, when it should be used, and why it’s often confused with Modifiers 58 and 79. Learn how unplanned returns to the operating room are handled during the global period, why the global period doesn’t restart, and how proper use of Modifier 78 helps ensure appropriate reimbursement while reducing compliance risk.

Modifier Mondays Spotlight - Documentation Pitfalls

In this Modifier Mondays Spotlight Episode, KZA Coding Expert Christine Banks shines a light on one of the most common causes of denials, downcoding, and audit risk: documentation pitfalls. From vague clinical notes and missing medical necessity to Modifier 25 errors, undocumented imaging guidance, time-based coding mistakes, and copy-forward concerns, Christine shares real-world examples from her audit experience to illustrate how small documentation gaps can create significant financial and compliance consequences. Whether you're a provider, coder, or practice leader, this episode offers practical takeaways to help ensure your documentation accurately reflects the care provided—and stands up to payer scrutiny.

Modifiers 52 & 53 - Part 4

We wrap up our Modifiers 52 and 53 series with KZA Coding Expert Deb Grider, who dives into the documentation and compliance issues surrounding these modifiers. Learn about common mistakes, audit risks, payer scrutiny, and the key elements that should be included in your procedure notes. Deb also shares practical guidance for internal audits and ensuring your documentation tells the complete story when a service is reduced or discontinued.