Please note this question was answered in 2021. The coding advice may or may not be outdated.
36590 Port Removal without immediate closure
Date: Feb 24, 2021
Question:
The radiologist removed an infected port (36590) and packed the pocket with iodoform gauze and loosely closed with interrupted 3-0 Vicryl sutures and steri strips. The patient returned two days later for packing removal and full closure of the site. Can we bill 36590 with a -52 modifier for the first procedure and 36590 with a -58 modifier for the second procedure, or is the second procedure included in the first?
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