Modifier Mondays: a KZA Podcast

Modifier 57 - Part 4

KZA KAST — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

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.

Modifier 57 - Part 3

KZA KAST — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

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.

Modifier 57 - Part 2

KZA KAST — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

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.

Modifier 57 - Part 1

KZA KAST — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

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.

Modifier 27 - Spotlight

KZA KAST — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

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.

Modifier 22 - Part 4

KZA KAST — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

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 reduce administrative burden and payment risk.

Modifier 22 - Part 3

KZA KAST — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

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 substantial additional work in a way that supports compliance and reimbursement.

Modifier 22 - Part 2

KZA KAST — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

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 fields in a way that supports reimbursement and stands up to audit scrutiny.

Modifier 22 - Part 1

KZA KAST — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0600

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 withstand audit scrutiny.

Modifier 62 - Part 4

KZA KAST — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

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 audit exposure and payment risk.

Modifier 62 - Part 3

KZA KAST — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

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, and use Modifier 62 with confidence.

Modifier 62 - Part 2

KZA KAST — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

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.

Modifier 62 - Part 1

KZA KAST — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

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 confidently.

Assistant Surgeon Modifiers - Part 4

KZA KAST — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

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.

Assistant Surgeon Modifiers - Part 3

KZA KAST — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

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.

Assistant Surgeon Modifiers - Part 2

KZA KAST — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

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.

Assistant Surgeon Modifiers - Part 1

KZA KAST — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

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.

Subset Modifier XU

KZA KAST — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600

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.

Subset Modifier XP

KZA KAST — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600

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.

Subset Modifier XS

KZA KAST — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600

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.

Subset Modifier XE

KZA KAST — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600

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.

Modifier 59 - Part 4

KZA KAST — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600

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.

Modifier 59 - Part 3

KZA KAST — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0600

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.

Modifier 59 - Part 2

KZA KAST — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0600

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.

Modifier 59 - Part 1

KZA KAST — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0600

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.

Modifier 25 - Part 4

KZA KAST — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0600

In the final episode of our Modifier 25 series, KZA Coding Expert Deb Grider shares what she’s seeing from payers right now related to Modifier 25. Hear the latest trends, denials, and payer behaviors—and learn how to stay a step ahead by keeping your documentation and coding practices audit-ready.

Modifier 25 - Part 3

KZA KAST — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In Part 3 of our Modifier 25 series, KZA Coding Expert Deb Grider highlights common pitfalls and shares her favorite quick tips and tricks to help you avoid them. From misunderstanding key criteria to missing small but costly details, this episode is packed with practical guidance you can put to use right away.

Modifier 25 - Part 2

KZA KAST — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In Part 2 of our Modifier 25 series, KZA Coding Expert Deb Grider dives into documentation requirements and shares real-world examples from audits she’s conducted. Learn what auditors look for, how to support Modifier 25 with proper documentation, and the key details that make all the difference in getting it right.

Modifier 25 - Part 1

KZA KAST — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Join us as we kick off our four-part Modifier 25 series with KZA coding expert Deb Grider! In this episode, Deb walks us through what Modifier 25 means, the basics of how and when to use it, and why it is so important to use correctly.

Introducing KZA Kast!

KZA KAST — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 19:04:50 -0500

Here's our CEO Cathy McDowell to announce some exciting news about the evolution of KZA - a podcast we're calling KZA Kast. Listen in as Cathy gives us details on this special announcement!