Modifier 59 vs Modifier 51

Question:

Can you clarify when to use modifiers 59 vs 51?

Answer:

Modifier 59 (or X modifiers) should only be used for a bundling edit to unbundle two codes that are not usually reported together but are appropriate under specific circumstances. If there is no bundling edit between two codes, then modifier 51 is appended to the second code to indicate an additional procedure.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 10/09/25.