An NCCI edit bundles two outpatient codes. The coder considers appending a distinct-services modifier solely to force separate payment, but the record does not support distinct services. What is the correct action?

Compliant modifier use requires that the clinical record support the circumstance the modifier describes. Appending a distinct procedural services or similar modifier solely to circumvent NCCI or other edits without documentation of distinct services violates coding ethics and can constitute improper billing. The coder should report services as supported by the documentation and applicable guidelines rather than manipulating modifiers to force payment.