What is modifier 33 used for?

Asked by: Prof. Rossie Mills MD  |  Last update: July 3, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (2 votes)

Modifier 33 should be used when the primary purpose of the service is the delivery of an evidence-based service in accordance with the guidelines provided by one of the ACA-designated organizations, including an A or B recommendation from the USPSTF.

What is the difference between PT and 33 modifier?

While modifier PT is specific to colorectal screenings converted to diagnostic or therapeutic services, modifier 33 broadly applies to any ACA-designated preventive service with a commercial payer.

What is the 33 modifier for BCBS?

Appending modifier 33 to a procedure code indicates that the service is a preventive service and one that waives a patient's cost share on the service.

What is CPT 96127 with modifier 33?

When a primary care physician uses a standardized screening tool to evaluate the patient for depression, you may report CPT 96127 with a modifier 33 to signal the payer that it is being billed as a preventive service.

Can a dermatologist bill for preventive care?

It would NOT be appropriate for a dermatologist to report a code from the Preventive Medicine range (CPT 99381-99397) because a dermatologist is a specialist.

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42 related questions found

What is the modifier 33 guideline?

Modifier 33 should be used when the primary purpose of the service is the delivery of an evidence-based service in accordance with the guidelines provided by one of the ACA-designated organizations, including an A or B recommendation from the USPSTF.

Is a dermatology skin check considered preventive care?

Answer: The visit to the dermatologist is not considered preventive care.

Does Medicare pay for modifier 33?

Apply Modifier 33 for Private Payers Only

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has not issued any guidance for modifier 33. There's a good reason for this: Medicare and Medicaid do not recognize modifier 33.

Can you bill 96127 with a preventive visit?

Billing Guidelines for 96127

This code is commonly used in the context of preventive medicine services and can also be reported with other E/M services such as acute illness or follow-up office visits.

What is CPT 45378 with modifier 33?

CPT Code 45378 is the appropriate code for screening colonoscopies. Modifier 33 should be added to indicate that it is a preventive service. Colonoscopies with polyp removal may require additional CPT codes. Understanding the coding guidelines and documentation requirements is crucial for accurate billing.

What needs to be documented for a preventive visit?

Components of a preventive visit
  • A comprehensive history and physical exam findings;
  • A description of the status of chronic, stable problems that are not “significant enough to require additional work,” according to CPT;
  • Notes concerning the management of minor problems that do not require additional work;

What is a diagnostic colonoscopy?

Diagnostic colonoscopies, also referred to as follow-up or surveillance colonoscopies, are different from screening colonoscopies since such procedures are provided when there is a greater probability of cancer development or if there is evidence that colorectal cancer might be present.

What is the 57 modifier used for?

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.

How often does Medicare pay for a colonoscopy?

Medicare covers screening colonoscopies once every 24 months if you're at high risk for colorectal cancer. If you aren't at high risk, Medicare covers the test once every 120 months, or 48 months after a previous flexible sigmoidoscopy. There's no minimum age requirement.

How do you know if a CPT 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.

How to bill a colonoscopy with poor prep?

The failed procedure is billed and paid using CPT® code 45378, HCPCS code G0105 or G0121, or CPT® code 44388, if attempting to perform the colonoscopy through an existing stoma. Modifier “-53” (discontinued procedure) must be appended to any procedure code submitted when billing for a failed colonoscopy attempt.

Can you bill 99214 and 96127 together?

Yes, 96127 and 99214 are frequently billed together. 99214 is the code used for established patient office visits that last 30 to 39 minutes. So if an established patient comes to your office for a check-up and you deliver a standardized screening instrument, then both of these codes would be billed.

What diagnosis should be used with 96127?

CPT code 96127 is used to report brief emotional and behavioral assessments using standardized instruments (AMA; AAP). This includes screenings for developmental status and various mental health conditions such as ADHD, depression, suicidal risk, anxiety, substance abuse, and eating disorders.

Can you bill an office visit with a preventive visit?

Physicians are not prohibited from coding and billing for both preventive and problem-focused E/M services when they are performed during the same appointment.

When should you use modifier 33?

Modifier 33 is a CPT® modifier used to identify medical care whose primary purpose is delivery of an evidence based service, based on recommendations from the US Preventive Services Task Force. Use when the USPSTF has given the service an A or B rating.

What is the modifier 33 for the PT?

Modifiers 33 and PT play essential roles in accurate medical billing. Modifier 33 ensures preventive services are billed without cost-sharing under ACA rules, while Modifier PT clarifies when a colorectal screening transitions into a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure.

What modifier is not accepted by Medicare?

GZ - Service is not covered by Medicare

The GZ modifier identifies that 1) an item or service is expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary, and 2) no advance notice of non-coverage was supplied to the member.

What not to say to a dermatologist?

Here are some common lies that people tell their dermatologists that you really shouldn't.
  • #1. “I Wear Sunscreen Everyday.” Sunscreen can be tricky. ...
  • #3. “I've Had This Mole Forever.” ...
  • #5. “I Wash My Face Every Day.” ...
  • #8. “I'm Not On Any Medications/Don't Take Any Supplements.”

What is not considered preventive care?

ANSWER: If the physician orders lab work during a preventive care visit, some of the tests may be covered as preventive care, such as a cholesterol screening. However, other blood chemistry panels, such as anemia screening, kidney or liver function, would not be covered as preventive care.

Are full body skin checks covered by insurance?

Many health insurance plans include coverage for skin cancer screenings as part of an annual wellness visit. This means that some or all of the cost of the exam may be covered by your insurance policy. In certain situations, insurance may cover the cost of skin exams if they are deemed medically necessary.