In the context of proper coding and billing practice, what was the example given when auditing procedures performed on different sites?

In the context of coding and billing practices, the use of appropriate modifiers is crucial when auditing procedures performed at different sites. Modifiers provide additional information about the service performed and help specify nuances related to the procedure, such as indicating whether the procedure was bilateral or if a service was distinct from other services provided in the same session.

When auditing, it's essential to accurately apply these modifiers to ensure that the coding reflects the services rendered without causing confusion or misrepresentation that could lead to billing errors. This promotes compliance with regulatory standards and helps in justifying claims to insurance providers.

The other options do not encompass the comprehensive nature of auditing procedures involving different sites. For instance, using only one procedure code might oversimplify the coding needed for multiple sites, while upcoding would not represent ethical practices and could result in legal implications. Additionally, the identification of unnecessary services addresses a different aspect of auditing, focusing more on the necessity of services rather than the accurate depiction of services through modifiers.