We're kicking off our four-part series on Modifiers 52 and 53 with KZA Coding Expert Deb Grider. In this first episode, Deb breaks down the definitions of Reduced Services (Modifier 52) and Discontinued Procedures (Modifier 53), explaining when each modifier should be used and why understanding the distinction is critical for accurate coding and compliance. If you've ever wondered where the line is between a reduced service and a discontinued procedure, this episode lays the foundation.
Jun 01, 2026•3 min•Ep. 34
We wrap up our Modifier 93 and 95 series with KZA Coding Expert Deb Grider, who brings it all together with key questions every practice should be asking before billing telehealth services. From verifying modality and CPT eligibility to ensure documentation and place of service align, this episode provides a practical checklist to support accurate, compliant telehealth billing. A must-listen for anyone looking to tighten up their telehealth process.
May 25, 2026•5 min•Ep. 33
In part 3 of our Modifier 93 and 95 series, KZA Coding Expert Deb Grider takes us into the complexities of payer policies and real-world scenarios. From Medicare vs. commercial payer differences to behavioral health examples and connectivity challenges mid-visit, deb highlights how quickly telehealth billing can become nuanced. This episode helps you think beyond the basics and navigate payer-specific expectations with clarity.
May 18, 2026•8 min•Ep. 32
In Part 2, KZA Coding Expert Deb Grider explores what happens when telehealth modifiers are used incorrectly, and how to avoid those mistakes. From mismatched documentation and missing patient consent to incorrect place of service and modifier selection, Deb walks through common audit findings and practical strategies to clean up your telehealth workflows. This episode is packed with real-world insight to help reduce denials and compliance risk.
May 11, 2026•10 min•Ep. 31
We’re kicking off this four-part, two-modifier series with KZA Coding Expert Deb Grider, diving into the fundamentals of Modifiers 93 and 95. In this episode, Deb breaks down the key differences between audio-only and audio-video telehealth services, when each modifier applies, and why getting it right matters more than ever. If telehealth billing still feels a little unclear, this episode lays the groundwork for confident, compliant coding.
May 04, 2026•9 min•Ep. 30
We wrap up our Modifier 57 series with KZA Coding Expert Michelle DelMonico, who shares what she’s seeing in the payer space right now. From timing requirements and common denial trends to policy nuances across Medicare and commercial payers, this episode provides actionable strategies to stay ahead of payer scrutiny. Learn how to align documentation, timing, and policy expectations to reduce denials and streamline reimbursement.
Apr 27, 2026•7 min•Ep. 29
In Part 3, KZA Coding Expert Michelle DelMonico highlights the most common pitfalls and mistakes with Modifier 57—and how to avoid them. From applying the modifier to the wrong code to confusing it with Modifier 25, this episode offers practical tips, real-world scenarios, and quick checkpoints to help ensure accurate and compliant use. Perfect for both coders and providers, this episode bridges the gap between clinical intent and coding rules.
Apr 20, 2026•8 min•Ep. 28
In Part 2 of our Modifier 57 series, KZA Coding Expert Michelle DelMonico dives into the documentation requirements that make—or break—this modifier. From clearly supporting medical necessity to explicitly documenting the decision for surgery, Michelle walks through what payers are looking for and why vague documentation leads to denials. With real-world examples, this episode helps you build clear, defensible documentation that stands up to audit scrutiny.
Apr 13, 2026•7 min•Ep. 27
We’re kicking off our four-part series on Modifier 57 with KZA Coding Expert Michelle DelMonico. In this first episode, Michelle breaks down the definition of Modifier 57 (Decision for Surgery), when it applies, and why it’s so often misunderstood. Learn how global periods impact usage, how Modifier 57 differs from Modifier 25, and why capturing the moment of decision-making is critical for compliance and reimbursement.
Apr 06, 2026•8 min•Ep. 26
In this Modifier Mondays spotlight episode, we break down Modifier 27: Multiple Outpatient Hospital E/M Encounters on the Same Date. Learn when this facility-only modifier applies, when it doesn’t, and how clear documentation supports accurate billing and reduces denials. With practical examples and quick tips, this episode helps clarify a commonly misunderstood modifier and ensures your team captures the full story of patient care.
Mar 30, 2026•5 min•Ep. 25
In the final episode of our Modifier 22 series, KZA Coding Expert Christine Banks breaks down what payers are doing right now when it comes to increased procedural services. From routine denials and manual reviews to appeal strategies and reimbursement realities, Christine shares practical insights on how payers evaluate Modifier 22 claims. This episode helps practices decide when Modifier 22 is worth the effort, how to strengthen submissions upfront, and how to approach appeals strategically to...
Mar 23, 2026•8 min•Ep. 24
In Part 3 of our Modifier 22 series, KZA Coding Expert Christine Banks breaks down the most common pitfalls and mistakes she sees with increased procedural services, and how to avoid them. From vague documentation and routine variations to misusing Modifier 22 when another CPT code is more appropriate, Christine shares clear guidance on what doesn’t qualify and what truly does. This episode is packed with practical tips on using comparative language, quantifying complexity, and documenting subst...
Mar 16, 2026•8 min•Ep. 23
In Part 2 of our Modifier 22 series, KZA Coding Expert Christine Banks takes us deep into the documentation details that truly make or break this modifier. Christine walks through how to clearly compare a case to the “typical” procedure, document substantial additional work, and justify why no other CPT code better captures the complexity involved. With detailed real-world examples, this episode helps listeners understand how to document increased time, technical difficulty, and altered surgical...
Mar 09, 2026•10 min•Ep. 22
We’re kicking off our four-part series on Modifier 22 with KZA Coding Expert Christine Banks. In this first episode, Christine lays the foundation by defining Modifier 22 (Increased Procedural Services), explaining when it’s appropriate to use, and why it’s critical to apply it carefully. Learn what truly qualifies as “substantially greater work,” how Modifier 22 differs from routine variations in difficulty, and why strong documentation is essential to support increased reimbursement and withst...
Mar 02, 2026•7 min•Ep. 21
In the final episode of our Modifier 62 series, KZA Coding Expert Christine Banks breaks down what payers are focusing on right now when it comes to co-surgery billing. From heightened scrutiny and audit activity to common denial drivers and documentation expectations, Christine explains why Modifier 62 is considered high risk and how practices can protect themselves. This episode offers practical guidance on medical necessity, billing alignment between co-surgeons, and proactive steps to reduce...
Feb 23, 2026•9 min•Ep. 20
In Part 3 of our Modifier 62 series, KZA Coding Expert Christine Banks breaks down the most common pitfalls and mistakes she sees with co-surgery billing, and how to avoid them. From using Modifier 62 on procedures that don’t allow it, to documentation issues like “we” statements and mismatched claims, Christine shares practical tips to help bridge the gap between clinical intent and coding compliance. This episode is packed with real-world insight to help practices reduce denials, avoid audits,...
Feb 16, 2026•9 min•Ep. 19
In Part 2 of our Modifier 62 series, KZA Coding Expert Christine Banks takes a deeper dive into documentation requirements and the nuances of co-surgery. Christine walks through what each surgeon must document, how operative reports should be structured, and why mirroring CPT codes, diagnoses, and modifiers is critical. She also shares real-world clinical examples that bring Modifier 62 to life and help clarify when co-surgery is appropriate, and when it isn’t.
Feb 09, 2026•8 min•Ep. 18
We’re kicking off our four-part series on Modifier 62 with KZA Coding Expert Christine Banks. In this first episode, Christine lays the foundation by explaining what Modifier 62 (co-surgery) is, when it’s appropriate to use, and why it’s critical to get it right. Learn how co-surgery differs from assistant-at-surgery, how payer indicators impact use, and the real compliance and financial risks of misapplying this modifier. This episode sets the stage for understanding Modifier 62 accurately and ...
Feb 02, 2026•7 min•Ep. 17
We wrap up our Assistant Modifiers series with KZA Coding Expert Christine Banks, who shares what she’s seeing in the payer space right now. Learn about common denial trends, medical necessity challenges, utilization monitoring, and appeal strategies. Christine also offers practical guidance on how to proactively strengthen documentation and respond effectively to payer scrutiny.
Jan 26, 2026•6 min•Ep. 16
In Part 3, KZA Coding Expert Christine Banks highlights the most common pitfalls she sees with assistant modifiers—and how to avoid them. From over- and under-utilization to incorrect modifier selection and missing documentation, Christine shares actionable tips, best practices, and documentation strategies to help practices reduce audit risk and stay compliant.
Jan 19, 2026•6 min•Ep. 15
In Part 2 of our Assistant Modifiers series, KZA Coding Expert Christine Banks takes a deep dive into documentation requirements. From understanding assistant surgeon indicators to knowing exactly what must be documented in the operative note, Christine walks through real-world clinical examples pulled straight from audits. This episode provides practical guidance you can use to support medical necessity and strengthen compliance.
Jan 12, 2026•10 min•Ep. 14
We’re kicking off our four-part series on the Assistant Modifiers with KZA Coding Expert Christine Banks. In this first episode, Christine lays the groundwork by defining the assistant modifiers (80, 81, 82, and AS), explaining when each one applies, and why correct usage matters more than ever. Learn how these modifiers support appropriate reimbursement, reduce compliance risk, and help practices avoid costly denials and audits.
Jan 05, 2026•5 min•Ep. 13
We wrap up our X-modifier series with KZA Coding Expert Christine Banks for a deep dive into subset Modifier XU - Unusual Non-Overlapping Service. Christine covers key documentation points, highlights common pitfalls, and shares real clinical scenarios to help you understand when XU truly applies, and when it doesn’t.
Dec 29, 2025•6 min•Ep. 12
In this episode, KZA Coding Expert Christine Banks dives into subset Modifier XP - Separate Practitioner. We explore what it means, how to document it properly, and where coders and providers often go wrong. With detailed case examples, Christine helps demystify XP and offers practical strategies to ensure compliant, accurate reporting.
Dec 22, 2025•6 min•Ep. 11
KZA Coding Expert Christine Banks joins us to unpack subset Modifier XS - Separate Structure. We cover everything from the definition and documentation requirements to common missteps and payer scrutiny. Christine walks through clinical examples that clarify when XS is appropriate and how to keep your coding audit-ready.
Dec 15, 2025•7 min•Ep. 10
In this episode, KZA Coding Expert Christine Banks breaks down subset Modifier XE - Separate Encounter. Learn when and how to use XE correctly, what documentation is required, and how to avoid the most common errors and denials. Christine also shares real-world clinical examples to help ensure you’re coding compliantly and confidently.
Dec 08, 2025•6 min•Ep. 9
We wrap up our Modifier 59 series with KZA Coding Expert Christine Banks, who shares what she’s seeing from payers right now. Hear the latest trends, denials, and payer focus areas around Modifier 59, and learn how to keep your documentation and coding practices a step ahead.
Dec 01, 2025•5 min•Ep. 8
In Part 3 of our Modifier 59 series, KZA Coding Expert Christine Banks tackles the most common mistakes she finds in audits. From overuse to missed opportunities, Christine explains how to recognize red flags, tighten up your processes, and reduce audit risk with clear, confident coding for Modifier 59.
Nov 24, 2025•8 min•Ep. 7
In Part 2 of our Modifier 59 series, KZA Coding Expert Christine Banks dives deeper into documentation: what to include, how to be specific, and when another modifier may be more appropriate. She also shares real-world examples that show exactly what solid Modifier 59 documentation looks like in action.
Nov 17, 2025•8 min•Ep. 6
We’re kicking off our four-part Modifier 59 series with KZA Coding Expert Christine Banks! In this first episode, Christine lays the foundation for Modifier 59, breaking down the definition, basic use, and why getting Modifier 59 right matters so much. Learn how this tricky modifier fits into coding and why accuracy here can make or break compliance and reimbursement.
Nov 10, 2025•6 min•Ep. 5
