What is modifier FQ used for?

Asked by: Dr. Nelle O'Connell II  |  Last update: November 7, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (17 votes)

Modifier FQ indicates a service or procedure was provided as part of a federally qualified health center (FQHC) or rural health clinic (RHC) visit. This modifier helps ensure accurate and appropriate reimbursement for services performed at these specific designated healthcare facilities.

When to use FQ modifier?

-GQ: Telehealth service rendered via asynchronous telecommunications system. -FQ: A telehealth service was furnished using real-time audio-only communication technology.

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.

What is the modifier for telehealth in 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.

Do you use 95 or GT modifier for telehealth?

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.

Telehealth Modifiers You Might Not be Aware of FR, FQ, 93, and XE & 59, and are Audio Sessions Ok?

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How long will telehealth be covered by insurance in 2024?

Unlike the DEA flexibilities, many of the COVID-era flexibilities for traditional Medicare coverage of telehealth services will end on December 31, 2024. Despite bipartisan support, congressional action is required to extend broad coverage for certain telehealth services existing since March 2020.

Are telehealth visits billed differently?

Medi-Cal pays the same rate for professional medical services provided by telehealth as it pays for services provided in-person. Please see the Payments and Claims section on this page.

Will Medicare pay for telehealth in 2025?

Medicare patients can receive telehealth services for non-behavioral/mental health care in their home through March 31, 2025. There are no geographic restrictions for originating site for Medicare non-behavioral/mental telehealth services through March 31, 2025.

What is the difference between telehealth and telemedicine?

While telemedicine refers specifically to remote clinical services, telehealth can refer to remote non-clinical services, such as provider training, administrative meetings, and continuing medical education, in addition to clinical services. There are several other ways to define telehealth.

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 are three examples of documentation needed for a telehealth visit?

Consider the following nine tips for documenting telehealth care:
  • Modality: Specify clearly in the patient's record the telehealth modality used. ...
  • Geography: Note the patient's physical location and geography. ...
  • Informed consent: Obtain informed consent for telehealth visits.

Can you use 99214 for telehealth?

However, we can still use time as the main factor in choosing the proper code — 10 minutes for 99212, 15 minutes for 99213, 25 minutes for 99214 and 40 minutes for 99215. Remember, you must write down the time: For example, either 9:00 to 9:25, or 25 minutes (99214). On the other hand, do not forget that until Jan.

Which code cannot be reported as a telemedicine code?

99221: This is an initial hospital care service. According to the AMA, this code cannot be used for telemedicine services.

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 POS does Medicare use for telehealth?

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.

What is the new Medicare rule for 2025?

Medicare Part D cap of $2,000

Beginning January 1, 2025, people with Part D plans through traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage won't pay more than $2,000 over the calendar year in out-of-pocket costs for their prescription medications.

How many therapy sessions does Medicare pay for?

Yes, Medicare does limit the number of counseling sessions, specifically under Medicare Part B. Initially, you're allowed up to 20 outpatient individual or group therapy sessions per year. However, it's important to note that further sessions may be authorized if deemed medically necessary by your healthcare provider.

Is telehealth cheaper for patients?

Traditional Healthcare Costs vs.

On average, a telehealth visit costs between $40 and $50, whereas an in-person visit costs more than double that, averaging around $176. However, the telehealth cost savings extend beyond just these initial numbers.

What is FQ modifier?

The healthcare industry introduced the 93 and FQ modifiers to adapt. The 93 modifier specifically denotes any telemedicine service delivered via audio-only means, while the FQ modifier is reserved for audio-only telemedicine focused on behavioral health.

Is Medicare no longer paying for telehealth?

After much uncertainty, Congress has extended many Medicare telehealth flexibilities through March 31, 2025, in its end-of-year appropriations bill.

What are two conditions that can be treated using telehealth?

Conditions treated using telehealth
  • Cold.
  • Skin rashes.
  • Headache.
  • Sinus infection symptoms.
  • Acne.
  • Birth control prescriptions.
  • Flu symptoms in kids and adults.

Is telehealth ending in 2025?

The Medicare telehealth waivers, originally enacted as part of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) and subsequently extended through legislation, were set to end on December 31, 2024. These flexibilities, along with the Acute Hospital Care at Home waiver program, are now set to expire March 31, 2025.

How do I know if my insurance covers telehealth?

Many insurance companies pay for telehealth visits. Call your health insurance to see if they do and what you will have to pay. Even if telehealth costs a little more, think about the money you will save on traveling, missing work, or paying for a babysitter.

What is the modifier for telephone visits?

Use modifier -93 for the reporting of medical services that are provided via real-time interaction between the physician or other qualified health care professional (QHP) and a patient through audio-only technology.