What is a 25 modifier used for in medical billing?
Asked by: Jacques Lemke | Last update: October 17, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (15 votes)
When should a modifier 25 be used?
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 difference between 25 and 59 modifiers?
This helps ensure that healthcare services are reimbursed correctly, especially when different services seem similar but are distinct in nature and necessity. While Modifier 59 explains many separate services in one session, Modifier 25 shows vital, identifiable E&M services on the same day as other procedures.
Does 99213 need a modifier 25?
If the E/M is not bundled into the stress test, then the Cardiologist's coder can use modifier 25 to indicate that these two services were separate and significant: 99213-25, 93015.
What does modifier 24 and 25 indicate?
Modifier 24 refers to the evaluation and management services provided to the patient on the day of a surgical procedure unrelated to the procedure itself. Modifier 25 identifies the evaluation and management services as unique services provided on the same day by the same medical professional.
MEDICAL CODING MODIFIER 25 - Compliantly bill an E&M and separate service on the same date
How much does a modifier 25 reduce a payment?
Automatic reduction in payment for the second code to account for what they perceive to be “overlap” between the two codes (e.g., a Preventive Medicine Service E/M code reported with an Office or Other Outpatient Service E/M code appended with modifier 25 allows payment of the Preventive Medicine Service code at 100 ...
When should the 24 modifier be used?
Modifier 24 is reported as follows:
Append only to Evaluation and Management (EM) codes. Use only to report an EM service beginning the day after a procedure performed by the same physician during the past 10 or 90 postoperative days.
How do you know if its 99213 or 99214?
The primary difference between CPT code 99213 and 99214 lies in the complexity and time involved. While 99213 is for a low level of medical decision-making, 99214 is used for moderate complexity, requiring a higher level of medical decision-making and more extensive history and examination.
What is modifier 59 used for?
For the NCCI, the primary purpose of CPT® modifier 59 is to indicate that two or more procedures are performed at different anatomic sites or during different patient encounters. It should only be used if no other modifier more appropriately describes the relationships of the two or more procedure codes.
What are the most used modifiers in medical billing?
Understanding commonly used modifiers in medical billing is crucial for accurate reimbursement and avoiding claim denials. Modifiers such as 22, 25, 26, 33, 50, 51, and 59 play a significant role in communicating additional information about the services provided.
Is modifier 25 needed for EKG?
Yes, you need to add a -25 modifier to your E&M service when billing in conjunction with an EKG or injection admin service done on same DOS. You're sure to get a bundling denial without it.
Which modifier goes first?
In the case of more than one modifier, you code the “functional” modifier first, and the “informational” modifier second. The distinction between the two is simple: you always want to list the modifiers that most directly affect the reimbursement process first. There's a straightforward reason to this, too.
Can you add modifier 25 to 99214?
Yes, you can add modifier 25 to CPT code 99214 if a significant, separately identifiable E/M service is performed on the same day as another procedure.
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).
Can you bill 99213 and 20610 together?
Per CCI edits, CPT codes 20610-RT and 99213-25 cannot be billed together; however a modifier is allowed with supporting documentation.
When to use 25 and 59 modifiers?
Only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. 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.”
What is modifier 60 used for?
The CPT manual introduced modifier -60 in 2001 to allow providers to indicate when a procedure was more complex than normal due to an altered surgical field.
What is a modifier 55?
Description. Postoperative management only. Guidelines and Instructions. Use this modifier to indicate that payment for the postoperative, post-discharge care is split between two or more physicians where the physicians agree on the transfer of postoperative care.
What is level 3 medical billing?
Level-III visits are considered to have a low level of risk. Patient encounters that involve two or more self-limited problems, one stable chronic illness or an acute uncomplicated illness would qualify.
Is CPT code 20610 considered surgery?
CPT code 20610 is used for a procedure where a healthcare provider drains fluid from or injects medication into a joint or bursa without using ultrasound guidance. This code typically applies to treatments for conditions like arthritis or bursitis to relieve pain and inflammation.
What is 57 modifier?
CPT modifier 57 may be used to report the decision for surgery for certain codes. This modifier may be used to indicate that an evaluation and management (E/M) service performed on the same day or the day before a major surgery (090 global days) by the surgeon resulted in the decision to perform the procedure.
What is modifier 23?
General Use of Modifier 23
Append Modifier 23 to an anesthesia procedure code to indicate that a procedure normally performed under local anesthesia or with a regional block required general anesthesia. Documentation shall support the reason that general anesthesia was required.
What is a 26 modifier used for in medical billing?
Modifier 26 is appended to billed codes to indicate that only the professional component of a service/procedure has been provided. It is generally billed by a physician.