What is the difference between modifier 25 and 24?

Asked by: Kayleigh Jacobi IV  |  Last update: May 16, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (20 votes)

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.

When should a 24 modifier be used?

Use Modifier 24 on an E/M when: An unrelated E/M service is performed beginning the day after the procedure, by the same physician, during the 10 or 90-day post-operative period. Documentation indicates the service was exclusively for treatment of the underlying condition and not for post-operative care.

When should you use modifier 25?

Modifier 25 is appended to indicate that a significant, separately identifiable E/M service was performed by the same physician or other QHP on the same date.

What does code 24 mean in a hospital?

Inadequate documentation: Proper documentation is crucial for accurate billing and reimbursement. If the healthcare provider fails to provide sufficient documentation to support the charges or if the documentation is incomplete or illegible, the claim may be denied with code 24.

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 ...

MEDICAL CODING MODIFIER 25 - Compliantly bill an E&M and separate service on the same date

31 related questions found

Can you use modifier 25 and 24 together?

You can use modifiers 24 (Unrelated evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during a postoperative period) and 25 (Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the ...

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.

What is modifier 24 and 25?

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.

What is the reason code 24 for Medicare?

The CO 24 denial code is used to indicate that the claim made has been denied due to the patient's insurance coverage under a capitation agreement or a managed care plan.

What is the most serious code in hospital?

"Code blue” is used to indicate that a patient requires resuscitation or is in need of immediate medical attention, most often as the result of a respiratory arrest or cardiac arrest. When called overhead, the page takes the form of "Code blue, [floor], [room]" to alert the resuscitation team where to respond.

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.

Which modifier should go first?

Informational or statistical modifiers (e.g., any modifier not classified as a payment modifier) should be listed after the payment modifier. If multiple informational/statistical modifiers apply, you may list them in any order (as long as they are listed after payment modifiers).

When should a 25 modifier 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 cpt code 99213 with modifier 24?

In this case, the coder correctly assigns the CPT code 99213-24 for the office outpatient visit of an established patient, including an expanded problem-focused history, an expanded problem-focused physical exam, and medical decision-making of low complexity.

How do you know when to use a modifier?

The CPT® code book Introduction provides these additional examples of 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 24 for Medicare?

Use CPT modifier 24 for unrelated evaluation and management service during a postoperative (global) period. The global period of a major surgery is the day prior to, day of and 90 days after the surgery.

What is the code 24 for Medicare?

Lack of prior authorization: Some services require prior authorization from the managed care plan before they can be performed or reimbursed. If the provider fails to obtain the necessary authorization or if the authorization is not properly documented, the claim may be denied with code 24.

What is the condition code 24 for Medicare?

If filing for a Conditional Payment, report with Occurrence Code 24. Date Insurance denied - Date of receipt of a denial of coverage by a higher priority payer. This could be date of primary payer's Explanation of Benefit (EOB) statement, letter or other documentation.

Does modifier 24 affect reimbursement?

Yes, modifier 24 can affect reimbursement. Using modifier 24 correctly ensures that the unrelated E/M service is not bundled with the postoperative care, allowing for separate reimbursement.

What is the definition of same physician for Medicare?

Same Practice, (sub)Specialty = Same Physician

100-04, Medicare Claims Processing Manual, chapter 12, section 30.6. 7) to mean not only the same individual physician, but also any other physicians within a group practice who are of the same specialty or subspecialty.

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.

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 are the most important 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.

What is the billing rule for 99214?

Here are the key guidelines for accurate usage of billing code 99214:
  • Medical Necessity. ...
  • Present Illness Documentation. ...
  • Chief Complaint. ...
  • Review Symptoms. ...
  • Detailed Physical Exam. ...
  • Past, Family and Social History. ...
  • In-depth History. ...
  • Medical Decision Making.