What is the CMS rule for modifier 25?
Asked by: Zola Kohler | Last update: August 11, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (7 votes)
What are the Medicare guidelines for modifier 25?
Modifier 25 is used to indicate that a patient's condition required a significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management (E/M) service above and beyond that associated with another procedure or service being reported by the same physician or other qualified health care professional (QHP) on the same date.
Which scenario qualifies for modifier 25?
Modifier 25 is a way to identify a “significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the same day of the procedure or other service,” according to the CPT 2024 code set.
Why is modifier 25 being denied?
Key considerations for reporting modifier -25
Because the removal of the foreign body included the pre- and post-operative services, in this case, the use of modifier -25 would not be appropriate. If the doctor of optometry were to use the modifier, a claim audit would likely result in it being denied.
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.
MEDICAL CODING MODIFIER 25 - Compliantly bill an E&M and separate service on the same date
What are the rules for 99213?
- Medical Necessity: Healthcare providers need to explain why the visit was needed. ...
- Time-based Documentation: Providers need to spend 20-29 minutes with the patient, which is surely required to help them with decision-making.
Which of the following is true about attaching modifier 25?
Modifier 25 can only be attached to an E/M code. The E/M service must be significant and clearly separate. Both an E/M code and a procedure code must be submitted by the same physician on the same day as the 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.
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.
Can you bill an office visit with a cast application?
A charge for procedure codes 29000-29590 is allowed only when the casting or strapping is a replacement procedure used during the period of follow-up care. The charge for an office visit is allowed only if significant identifiable further services are provided at the time of the cast application or strapping.
How to write a CPT code with modifiers?
CPT modifiers are added to the end of a CPT code with a hyphen. In the case of more than one modifier, you code the “functional” modifier first, and the “informational” modifier second.
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.
What is the UHC modifier 25 policy?
For example, the description for modifier 25 (Significant, Separately Identifiable Evaluation and Management Service by the Same Physician on the Same Day of the Procedure or Other Service) specifies that it is to be reported with an Evaluation and Management (E/M) service.
What is the CMS guideline for modifier 26?
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. Services with a value of “1” or “6” in the PC/TC Indicator field of the National Physician Fee Schedule may be billed with modifier 26.
How many RVU for 25 modifiers?
Using the -25 modifier enables you to get credit for BOTH E&M codes and would result in 2.03 RVU for that visit.
Is review of systems still required?
Starting January 2023, these components are no longer required to select the code level. Before 2023, we had to include the HPI - History of present Illness, ROS Review of systems, i.e., Eyes, ears, nose, resp... and the PFSH - Past, Family, and Social History.
What are the new guidelines for modifier 25?
Do not use modifier 25 by a physician other than the physician performing the procedure or physician of the same specialty in the same group practice. Do not use modifier 25 when documentation does not support a significant, separately identifiable E/M service.
What is modifier 25 not used for?
Note: this Modifier is not used to report an E/M service that resulted in a decision to perform surgery, see Modifier 57. For significant, separately identifiable non-E/M services on the same day, see Modifier 59. There are several nationally recognized sources of information on the Modifier 25.
Can you use modifier 25 with Medicare?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires that modifier 25 be used only on claims for E/M services and only when the E/M service is provided by the same physician on the same day as another procedure or service.
What are CMS modifiers?
The modifier provides additional information about the medical procedure, service, or supply involved without changing the meaning of the code. Medical coders use modifiers to tell the story of a particular encounter.
What are three services not covered by Medicare?
We don't cover these routine items and services: Routine or annual physical checkups (visit Medicare Wellness Visits to learn about exceptions). exams required by third parties, like insurance companies, businesses, or government agencies. Eye exams for prescribing, fitting, or changing eyeglasses.
What is CPT code 76942 CMS guidelines?
Only report 76942 with modifiers 59, XE, XS, XP, XU if the ultrasonic guidance for needle placement is unrelated to the laparoscopic liver tumor ablation procedure. Don't report CPT code 76000 with or without modifiers 59, XE, XS, XP, XU for fluoroscopy in conjunction with a cardiac catheterization procedure.
How does modifier 25 affect payment?
“Its use allows two E/M services or a procedure plus an E/M service that are distinctly different but required for the patient's condition to be appropriately reported and, therefore, appropriately paid,” the issue brief says. The use of modifiers provides supplementary information for payer policy requirements.
Can I use a modifier 25 on CPT 99396?
By appending modifier 25 to the preventive visit code (99396), the provider can accurately report both services and receive appropriate reimbursement for each.
How do you know if a CPT code needs a modifier?
- A service or procedure has both a professional and technical component, but only one component is applicable.
- A service or procedure was performed by more than one physician or in more than one location.