Topics that change our coding trends! A recent transmittal was released on January 21, 2005. The implementation date is February 22, 2005. This transmittal addresses the use of Modifiers -52, -53, -73, and -74. This makes for some interesting reading and some definite changes in use of them. As many of you are aware, Modifier -52 is used to report reduced services. However, in this transmittal it indicates that modifier -52 is no longer an approved OPPS modifier and should only be used for radiology procedures and certain procedures not requiring anesthesia. It appears that we will now need to use modifiers -73 or -74 in it's place. Click here SEMHIMA to view Transmittal 442 in its entirety. Click here SEMHIMA to view the 2005 OIG Work Plan. Click here SEMHIMA to view the April 1st APC Changes. Click here SEMHIMA to view the July 1st APC Changes.