Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) — Question 94

Mrs. Jones had an appendectomy on November 1. She was taken back to surgery on November 2 for evacuation of a hematoma of the wound site. Identify the modifier that may be reported for the November 2 visit.

Answer options

• A. -58
• B. -76
• C. -78
• D. -79 C

Correct answer:

Explanation

The correct modifier is -78, which indicates that the procedure was a return to the operating room for a related procedure during the postoperative period. Modifier -58 is used for staged or related procedures planned during the postoperative period, while -76 indicates a repeat procedure by the same physician, and -79 is used for unrelated procedures during the postoperative period.