In which scenario would Modifier 54 be used?

Modifier 54 is specifically utilized in cases where a surgeon provides the surgical care aspect of a procedure but does not participate in the preoperative or postoperative management. This modifier reflects that the surgeon is only responsible for the surgical portion of the patient's care. It is often applied when the surgeon performs the procedure and then transfers the follow-up management to another provider or does not take responsibility for the follow-up himself.

The other scenarios do not align with the purpose of Modifier 54. For instance, if a patient refuses treatment, there is no surgical service provided, making the use of this modifier irrelevant. Similarly, if the procedure is fully completed by one provider, there wouldn’t be a need for Modifier 54, as this modifier is meant to indicate a division of responsibility. Lastly, using it solely for follow-up care also does not apply, as Modifier 54 is intended for the surgical care segment, not just the ongoing management after surgery.