What does the -79 modifier represent?

The -79 modifier is used in medical coding to indicate that a procedure or service performed on a patient is unrelated to another procedure that the patient has undergone in the postoperative period. Specifically, this modifier communicates to insurers that the second procedure is necessary and separate from the initial procedure, and thus it should be reimbursed without being bundled or considered part of the initial surgery.

Using this modifier is essential for ensuring that healthcare providers are appropriately compensated for services that are not connected to prior treatments or surgeries, helping to maintain clear documentation of a patient’s medical history. This differentiation helps avoid confusion in billing and coding processes, assuring that patients and payers understand that the care provided is justified and distinct from any ongoing surgical recovery.