Does 99204 need a modifier?

Asked by: Annette Lockman  |  Last update: August 14, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (65 votes)

What modifier is needed for 99204? Modifiers for 99204 depend on the specific circumstances of the billing situation (e.g., modifier 25 for a significant, separately identifiable service by the same physician on the same day of the procedure or other service or modifier 22 for a significantly more complex procedure).

When to use GT or 95 modifier?

The two most commonly used modifiers are the GT modifier for telehealth service rendered via interactive audio and video telecommunications systems, and the 95 modifier for synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video communications system.

Does 99024 need a modifier?

Post-operative visits should be reported with CPT code 99024 when the visit is furnished on the same day as an unrelated E/M service (billed with modifier 24).

Can modifier 25 be used with a new patient visit?

In addition, the appropriate level of E/M service for an office or other outpatient visit for a new patient (99202–99205) would also be reported with modifier 25 appended to indicate that a significant, separately identifiable E/M service was provided.

When should modifier 22 be used?

Increased Procedural Services When the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier -22 to the usual procedure code.

What is a Modifier in Medical Coding? CPT and HCPCS Modifiers for Beginners

45 related questions found

When should modifier 24 be used?

Use Modifier 24 on an E/M when: An unrelated E/M service is performed beginning the day after the procedure, by the same physician, during the 10 or 90-day post-operative period. Documentation indicates the service was exclusively for treatment of the underlying condition and not for post-operative care.

How do you know if a code needs a modifier?

What Are Medical Coding Modifiers?
  • The service or procedure has both professional and technical components.
  • More than one provider performed the service or procedure.
  • More than one location was involved.
  • A service or procedure was increased or reduced in comparison to what the code typically requires.

Can you use modifier 25 and 24 together?

You can use modifiers 24 (Unrelated evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during a postoperative period) and 25 (Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the ...

Do I need a modifier for 99214?

Does 99214 need a modifier? Modifiers can be used with 99214 if applicable. For example, you can add Modifier 25 to the E/M visit with 99214 if there was a “separately identifiable E/M on the same day of a procedure” (source: ACC). Or add modifier 22 if the procedure was extra complex.

Can you bill 99386 and 99204 together?

Generally, 99204 (office visit) and 99386 (preventive medicine service for a new patient of a certain age) might not be billed together for the same patient on the same day as they cover different aspects of care. However, specific situations and payer rules may allow it with appropriate modifiers.

What is the modifier for office visit day before surgery?

Modifier 57 should be appended to any E/M service on the day of or the day before said procedure when the E/M service results in the decision to go to surgery. This informs the payer that the physician determined the surgery was medically necessary. Modifier 57 should only be appended to E/M codes.

What modifier is used for 99395?

Wiki - 99395 with modifier 25 | Medical Billing and Coding Forum - AAPC.

What is cpt code 99213 with modifier 24?

In this case, the coder correctly assigns the CPT code 99213-24 for the office outpatient visit of an established patient, including an expanded problem-focused history, an expanded problem-focused physical exam, and medical decision-making of low complexity.

Is modifier 95 required for telehealth services in 2024?

Therapy providers, including SLPs, will continue to use modifier “95” to indicate telehealth services and will not use one of the POS codes for telehealth services, regardless of settings. SLPs should continue to report the POS code that best reflects where services would have been provided in person.

How do I know which modifier to use?

The correct modifier to use is determined by payor preference. There can be instances where a CPT code is further defined by an HCPCS modifier, for example, to describe the side of the body the procedure is performed on, such as left (modifier -LT) or right (modifier -RT).

When should GP modifier be used?

Use a GP modifier in any case where there could be confusion as to which provider delivered services to a patient, such as in any interdisciplinary therapy setting.

When to use modifier 95?

-95: Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video communications system.

What is the difference between CPT code 99204 and 99214?

The total time needed for a level 4 visit with an established patient (CPT code 99214) is 30–39 minutes. The total time needed for a level 4 visit with a new patient (CPT 99204) is 45–59 minutes. Many EHRs have time calculators that will show the amount of time you have had the patient's chart open.

What is modifier 24 used for?

Use CPT modifier 24 for unrelated evaluation and management service during a postoperative (global) period. The global period of a major surgery is the day prior to, day of and 90 days after the surgery.

Does modifier 25 go on office visit or procedure?

Modifier 25 is used to signify that when a separate identifiable evaluation-and-management (E/M) service was performed, which can refer to two evaluation-and-management (E/M) services, or a procedure plus an E/M service.

What is the 59 modifier used for?

Modifier 59 Distinct Procedural Service indicates that a procedure is separate and distinct from another procedure on the same date of service. Typically, this modifier is applied to a procedure code that is not ordinarily paid separately from the first procedure but should be paid per the specifics of the situation.

What is a 79 modifier used for?

Modifier 79 is used to indicate an unrelated procedure performed by the same physician during the postoperative period of the original surgery. When the procedure is related to the original surgery or is a staged (anticipated) surgery, it falls under the global period and should not use Modifier 79.

How do I know if a CPT code needs a laterality modifier?

The -RT and -LT modifiers should be used whenever a procedure is performed on one side. For instance, when reporting CPT code 27560 (closed treatment of patellar dislocation; without anesthesia), modifier -RT or -LT should be appended if only one knee is treated.

What is a required modifier?

Required modifiers are used to ensure that a modifier that is crucial to the fulfillment of a menu item is specified as part of the order. For example, a Dressing modifier could be required for a Dinner Salad menu item.

What modifier is not commonly used in E&M coding?

Note: Modifier 59 should not be appended to an E/M service. To report a separate and distinct E/M service with a non-E/M service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.”