In CPT coding, what does the -57 modifier indicate when attached to an evaluation and management code?

• A. Decision for surgery
• B. Postoperative management
• C. Unrelated procedure
• D. Multiple procedures

Answer: (A)

Modifier -57 signals that the evaluation and management encounter resulted in a decision to perform surgery. It marks the preoperative decision-making visit as a distinct service, showing that the E/M work done on that date was specifically to determine that surgery was indicated, not just routine care or postoperative management. This helps separate the preoperative decision from other types of care and ensures the encounter is billed appropriately. For example, if a patient comes in with symptoms and the physician determines that surgery is indicated, the E/M visit can be coded with the -57 modifier to reflect that the encounter led to the surgical plan. The other options describe different scenarios (postoperative care, an unrelated procedure, or multiple procedures) and do not fit the purpose of signaling a surgical decision arising from the visit.