On the evening of February 14th, Patient B presented to the ...

[mp14]

On the evening of February 14th, Patient B presented to the emergency room after falling off the second story balcony. Patient is in severe respiratory distress due to a collection of fluid and blood within the pleural cavity surrounding the lungs. Physician orders an emergent placement of a thoracostomy tube (zero global surgery days) to drain the bloody fluid from the pleural cavity. Patient's condition stabilizes. Which of the following modifiers is the MOST appropriate for the emergency department E/M service?
 
  A. Modifier 57
  B. Modifier 24
  C. Modifier 25
  D. Modifier 32

Question 2

Which of the following BEST defines Modifier 57?
 
  A. This modifier should be appended to the performed E/M service when it is performed during the postoperative period, and the physician who performs the E/M service is also the same physician who performed the surgery and the performed E/M service is unrelated to the surgery that had been performed.
  B. This modifier should be appended to the performed E/M service when an agency, company, or organization requests the performance of an E/M service to indicate that the patient, patient's family or other physician did not initiate the performed E/M service.
  C. This modifier should be appended to the performed E/M service when the E/M service results in the decision to perform major surgery less than 24 hours before the actual surgery is actually performed and the E/M service that led to the decision for surgery was the first identification that major surgery was required.
  D. This modifier should be appended to the performed E/M service when the E/M service is a) performed on the same day as another procedure or service, or b) in conjunction performed by a physician who also performs a completely distinct, independent, noteworthy service or minor procedure on the same day.

[miss.ashley]

Answer to Question 1

C

Answer to Question 2

C