What is modifier 95 in medical coding?

Asked by: Lindsay Kohler  |  Last update: November 2, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (44 votes)

Modifier 95 indicates a synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system.

What does modifier 95 mean in medical billing?

Modifier. Description. 95. Telehealth modifier defined as "synchronous telemedicine service rendered via real-time Interactive audio and video telecommunications system". Should only be appended to approved telehealth codes.

Should I use GT or 95 modifier?

There is much overlap between the use of GT and 95 modifiers, but 95 is commonly used for psychiatric, nutrition, and genetic services, among others. Modifier 95 is like GT in use cases, but unlike GT there are limits to the codes that it can be appended.

What is the 95 modifier for place of service?

Modifier 95 must be used for Medi-Cal covered benefits or services delivered via synchronous, interactive audio/visual, telecommunications systems. Only the portion(s) of the telehealth service rendered at the distant site are billed with modifier 95.

Does modifier 95 affect reimbursement?

The use of modifier 95 does not alter reimbursement for the CPT or HCPCS code.

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

28 related questions found

What is the 95 modifier for 90837?

When/Why Would I Use CPT Code 90837 Modifier 95? So, you would use the CPT Code 90837 Modifier 95 for virtual sessions that are 53 minutes or longer. To further maximize your reimbursement, include the appropriate extender code if the session exceeds 53 minutes.

Does Aetna accept modifier 95?

We consider services recognized by The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and appended with modifier GT, as well as services recognized by the AMA included in Appendix P of the CPT® Codebook and appended with modifier 95. A list of eligible CPT/HCPCS codes is available here.

Why is modifier 95 used?

The 95 modifier is defined as “synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time audio and video telecommunications system.” In other words, this is a way to describe a Telehealth session. Historically, Telehealth coverage varies significantly by insurer.

Why do we use 95 modifier?

Modifier 95 indicates a synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system.

Do telehealth visits require a modifier?

The payment rate for telehealth services furnished by an FQHC or RHC practitioner is $92. FQHCs and RHCs must use the -95 modifier for distant-site services provided between Jan. 27 and June 30, 2020.

What is the difference between telehealth modifier 95 and GT?

What is the difference between modifier GT and 95? Modifier 95 is like GT in use cases, but unlike GT there are limits to the codes that it can be appended.

Which modifier should go 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.

Does a phone call count as telehealth?

Telehealth is done primarily online with internet access on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. There are several options for telehealth care: Talk to your health care provider live over the phone or video chat.

What is 90834 with modifier 95?

In behavioral health, the modifier 95 is added to the original code to signify teletherapy. For example, you would add the 95 modifier to 90834 to signify a 45-minute teletherapy session (i.e., 90834-95). To be billed with this modifier, a face-to-face video session needs to have occurred.

Does 99417 need a 95 modifier?

What is the E/M code you are billing with 99417? I do know modifier 95 can be used with 99417 per EncoderPro. " Telemedicine services may be reported by the performing provider by adding modifier 95 to this procedure code and using the appropriate place of service."

What is the modifier 93 for telehealth?

Modifier 93 describes services that are provided via telephone or other real-time interactive audio-only telecommunications system. Use of this modifier is appropriate only if the real-time interaction occurs between a physician/other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site.

Is modifier GT valid for Medicare?

Modifier GT via interactive audio and video telecommunications systems is no longer required on professional claims when reporting telehealth services for Medicare patients.

How do you know when to use a modifier in CPT?

CPT lists additional situations when a modifier may be appropriate:
  1. The service or procedure has both professional and technical components.
  2. More than one provider performed the service or procedure.
  3. More than one location was involved.

What is the modifier GT and GQ?

The two primary modifiers for telehealth services were GT (indicating the service was delivered via an interactive audio and video telecommunications system) and GQ (indicating the service was delivered via an asynchronous telecommunications system).

What is modifier 96 used for?

Habilitative (modifier 96): services that help a person DEVELOP skills or functions they didn't have before. Rehabilitative (modifier 97) services that help a person RESTORE functions which have become either impaired or lost.

Which CPT appendix lists codes used with modifier 95?

Modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in Appendix P. Appendix P is the list of CPT codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system.

What is the difference between POS 02 and POS 10?

POS code 02 is now for telehealth services provided when the patient is not physically at home. POS code 10 is now for telehealth services provided when the patient is at home. DrChrono has made it easy to flip between the 2 POS codes, as the situation warrants, to ensure you are billing compliantly.

What is the POS for telehealth in 2023?

For 2023, you should continue billing telehealth claims with the place of service indicator you would bill for an in-person visit. You must use modifier 95 to identify them as telehealth services through the end of CY 2023 or the end of the year in which the PHE ends.

Who can use modifier 90?

Modifier 90 Reference (Outside) Laboratory: When laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 to the usual procedure number.

Does Medicare accept modifier 93?

CMS also states that beginning January 1, 2023, CPT modifier “93” must be used for eligible mental health services provided using audio-only technology. All providers must also append Medicare modifier “FQ” for allowable audio-only Medicare telehealth services.