Is the GY modifier only for Medicare?

Asked by: Ressie Stiedemann  |  Last update: October 11, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (38 votes)

The GY modifier is only to be used when the service is never covered by Medicare.

What is the use of gy?

The gray (symbol: Gy) is the unit of ionizing radiation dose in the International System of Units (SI), defined as the absorption of one joule of radiation energy per kilogram of matter.

Can GA modifier be used for commercial insurance?

Effective Feb. 1, UnitedHealthcare (UHC) will require physician practices to append the GA modifier to commercial plan claims for services they know or suspect are not covered. UHC says this change will enhance health care transparency by ensuring patients are informed of potential out-of-pocket costs in advance.

Does Medicare require a modifier for telehealth?

Virtual check-ins and e-visits must technically be initiated by a patient; however, physicians and other providers may need to educate beneficiaries on the availability of the service prior to patient initiation. There are no POS or modifier requirements for virtual check-ins or e-visits.

Is the GC modifier only for Medicare?

Use is limited to use in Medicare, Medicaid, or other programs administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Encore: Excluded Services Modifiers GX and GY

41 related questions found

What is a gy modifier?

GY modifier is added to claims in which the item or service is statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any Medicare benefit. Correct Use. Append when services are provided under statutory exclusion from Medicare Program. It is not necessary to provide patient with an ABN for these situations.

What payers require GC modifier?

Government payers (Medi-Cal and Medicare) require the GC modifier to be appended to E/M codes when a resident, under the direction of a teaching physician in an approved teaching program, is involved in the care of a patient.

What is the G modifier for telehealth?

Modifier G0 telehealth service provided for purposes of diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment of symptoms of an acute stroke. Modifier G0 is used to indicate a service provided outside of a geographic location (such as a telehealth appointment).

When to use GC modifier?

Modifiers GC and GE are used to identify the involvement of a resident in the care of the patient. These modifiers should be used on Medicare and Medicaid patients whenever a resident is involved in the care provided.

Are HCPCS G codes for Medicare only?

As G codes are part of the national HCPCS Level II code set, they may also be used by non-Medicare insurers.

Is the GA modifier only for Medicare?

Answer: Modifier -GA indicates that there is a signed advanced beneficiary notice (ABN) on file for the test/procedure. ABNs are used for Medicare Part B beneficiaries only and when the services may not be covered. It is not appropriate to use this document with any other payer, including Medicare Advantage plans.

What is the difference between GX and GY?

Gx interface enables signaling of PCC decisions, negotiation of IP-CAN bearer establishment mode and termination of Gx session . It is online charging reference point. Gy lies between PCEF (Policy Control Enforcement Function) and OCS (Online Charging Function). It's functionalies are similar to R0.

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).

What does Gy mean?

One gray (Gy) is the international system of units (SI) equivalent of 100 rads, which is equal to an absorbed dose of 1 Joule/kilogram. An absorbed dose of 0.01 Gy means that 1 gram of material absorbed 100 ergs of energy (a small but measurable amount) as a result of exposure to radiation.

Is ABN needed for Gy modifier?

It is not necessary to provide the patient with an ABN for these situations. Do not use on bundled procedures or on add-on codes. The GY modifier can be used in combination with the GX modifier, when applicable. The GZ modifier is defined as an item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary.

What CPT codes are not covered by Medicare?

Certain services are never considered for payment by Medicare. These include preventive examinations represented by CPT codes 99381-99397. Medicare only covers three immunizations (influenza, pneumonia, and hepatitis B) as prophylactic physician services.

What is the use of GY modifier?

Adding the GY modifier to the CPT code indicates that an 'item or service is statutorily excluded or the service does not meet the definition of Medicare benefit. ' This will automatically create a denial and the beneficiary may be liable for all charges whether personally or through other insurance.

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.

When to use GV and GW modifier?

The GV and GW modifiers are used for Medicare hospice patients. The GV modifier is used to report services related to a patient's hospice care, while the GW modifier is used to report services that are unrelated to the patient's hospice care.

What is the modifier for telehealth 2024?

Telehealth Billing Change

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.

What are G code modifiers?

G-code modifiers (e.g., CK) are associated with a specific range of impairment (e.g., at least 40% but less than 60% impaired, limited, or restricted). For example, when reporting current mobility, a patient may have 40% to 50% impairment (CK) and treatment aims to reduce that to under 20% impairment (CI).

Do telehealth visits need a modifier?

However, telehealth services are reported using a different place of service and/or require a modifier. The specific POS and modifier vary by payer.

When to apply GC modifier?

A GC Modifier is a modifier added to a CPT code for service(s) performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician (TP). When should the GC modifier be used? A GC Modifier is used when a resident, under the direction of a teaching physician, is involved in the management and care of a patient.

What is the difference between GE and GC modifier?

Modifier GC –This service has been performed in part by a Resident under the direction of a Teaching Physician. Modifier GE –This service has been performed by a Resident without the presence of a Teaching Physician under the Primary Care Exception.

Does GC modifier affect payment?

GC modifier has no impact on payment unless it is discovered on appeal that the teaching physician failed to document and electronically sign their attestation note. If you have a teaching physician supervising a resident, the GC modifier must be appended to that service.