What is the new modifier 93?

Asked by: Prof. Grayce Steuber  |  Last update: December 25, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (38 votes)

Modifier 93 is a new audio-only telemedicine code that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2022. Modifier 93 describes services that are provided via telephone or other real-time interactive audio-only telecommunications system.

What is the 93 modifier for 2023?

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.

What is the 93 modifier used for?

Modifier -93 Synchronous Telemedicine Service Rendered Via Telephone or Other Real-Time Interactive Audio-Only Telecommunications System: Synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located away at a distant ...

What is the difference between modifier FQ and 93?

Perhaps CMS or your MAC will want modifier -93 on services that can be performed audio only, from the CMS list. So far, I haven't see anything. Don't confuse this with the new FQ modifier. FQ is for audio only for behavioral health services performed via telehealth, effective 1-1-2022.

What is the CMS audio only modifier 93?

The American Medical Association (AMA) has released new CPT code modifier 93 for audio-only telehealth services. The AMA approved the modifier at the September 2021 CPT editorial meeting; AMA made it available on their website on December 30, 2021. The code became effective two days later on January 1, 2022.

Modifier 93 audio only modifier in telehealth coding & Appendix T

15 related questions found

What is the CMS modifier for audio-only?

New modifier for reporting audio-only services -- FQ modifier. CMS allows some services to be furnished as audio-only when the member does not have access to two-way audio-visual communication technology or did not consent to its use.

What is the E&M code for audio-only?

The following codes may be used by physicians or other qualified health professionals who may report E/M services: 99441: telephone E/M service; 5-10 minutes of medical discussion. 99442: telephone E/M service; 11-20 minutes of medical discussion. 99443: telephone E/M service, 21-30 minutes of medical discussion.

What is the modifier for telehealth in 2023?

As has been the practice for the last couple of years, you should continue to bill telehealth visits with the place of service you would use if it were an in-person visit. But don't forget to use the “95” modifier to indicate it was a telehealth appointment. This guideline will be in place through 2023.

Is telehealth ending in 2023?

Despite the looming end of the PHE, Congress has, with the passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023, extended most - but not all - of the telehealth waivers until December 31, 2024. This article explores key takeaways on how the end of the PHE will affect providers serving Medicare patients.

What is the FS modifier?

Modifier FS

This modifier is used to indicate the service was a split or shared evaluation and management (E/M) visit.

What is the CPT code for audio only telehealth?

Medicare requires audio-video for office visit (CPT 99201-99215) telehealth services. Audio-only encounters can be provided using the telephone evaluation and management codes (CPT codes 99441-99443).

When can modifier 91 be used?

Modifier 91 is used when a clinical laboratory test must be repeated on the same date of service and the results are used to assist in managing the treatment of a patient.

What is the 97 modifier used for?

The -97 modifier is used when the physical therapy services are rehabilitative in nature. The CO, CQ, GO, GP modifiers are all modifiers that indicate who performed the service.

What are the CPT changes for 2023?

There are coding and guideline changes in every section of the CPT® 2023 code set, except anesthesia. The most significant changes are to the evaluation and management (E/M), percutaneous pulmonary artery revascularization, hernia repairs, lab and pathology, and COVID-19 vaccination codes.

What is modifier G9?

2023 HCPCS Modifier G9 - Monitored anesthesia care for patient who has history of severe cardio-pulmonary condition. 'G' Modifiers.

What CPT codes are being added in 2023?

Three new codes (81449, 81451, and 81456) describe targeted genomic sequence analyses. Four new codes (87468, 87469, 87478, 87484) describe various infectious agent detections using DNA or RNA.

How much is the 99214 reimbursement rate for 2023?

daisyWizard Fee Schedule Calculator

Below, daisyWizard shows the new reimbursement rate (effective February 15th) for Los Angeles for CPT code 99214, a common Evaluation and Management (E/M) code — increasing to $196.29 from the current rate of $191.01.

Will telehealth ever go away?

Telemedicine health care has grown in the United States since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and will remain an integral part of medical care. Telemedicine is well received by many patients and health care providers but remains more accessible to certain groups of patients than others.

What is the reimbursement for 99443?

Physician and nonphysician practitioner allowable codes: 99441: 5-10 minutes of medical discussion ($46) 99442: 11-20 minutes of medical discussion ($76) 99443: 21-20 minutes of medical discussion ($110)

Do you use 95 or GT modifier for telehealth?

The GT modifier is a coding modifier that is most commonly used for telehealth claims. According to the AMA, the modifier means “via interactive audio and video telecommunications systems.

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.

What is G0 modifier for telehealth?

Modifier G0

Use to identify telehealth services furnished for purposes of diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment of symptoms of an acute stroke.

Can you bill an E&M when the patient is not present?

If the patient's children or spouse present to the practice to discuss the patient's condition with the doctor and the patient is not present, you cannot bill Medicare using the E/M codes. Although CPT® rules support reporting the E/M codes without the patient present, CMS sings a different tune.

Can you bill an E&M code with a procedure?

Global billing

CPT and Medicare reimbursement rules allow the reporting of an E/M service when the service is either a significant, separate service or leads to the decision to operate or perform a procedure. Medicare assigns global days to the surgical pro- cedure codes.

What is the E&M code for left without being seen?

21: Left Without Being Seen.