When would you use modifier TC?

Asked by: Edwina Gorczany  |  Last update: November 15, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (27 votes)

Modifier TC is defined as “Technical Component” and should be appended to a procedure code when the provider rendered only the technical component of the service.

When should the TC modifier be used?

Modifier TC is used when only the technical component (TC) of a procedure is being billed when certain services combine both the professional and technical portions in one procedure code. Use modifier TC when the physician performs the test but does not do the interpretation.

What is an example of a technical component?

defining technical components such as software, data stores, servers, and devices with regards to a particular problem setting.

Who bills the TC modifier?

It is generally billed by the entity that provided the testing equipment. Services with a value of “1” in the PC/TC Indicator field of the National Physician Fee Schedule may be billed with modifier TC. These are predominantly radiology services, but also include pathology, laboratory and medicine services.

What is the difference between 26 and TC modifiers?

Modifier 26 is used by a physician who performs the professional component of a service, and Modifier TC is used when only the technical component of a service is performed. There are times when it is important to specify these separate services.

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Does Medicare accept TC modifier?

Before using either modifier, you should check whether the procedure code can accept these modifiers. An indicator of “1” in the Professional Component (PC)/Technical Component (TC) field on the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Database (MPFSDB) signifies that modifiers 26 and TC are valid for the procedure code.

Which modifier goes first 59 or TC?

If you code two pricing modifiers that include either a professional or technical component (26 or TC), always use the 26 or TC first, followed by the second pricing modifier. If you have two payment modifiers, for example 51 and 59, enter 59 first and 51 second.

What is an example of a 26 modifier?

Examples of when to use modifier 26:

A pregnant patient presents to the ER with premature contractions. The ultrasound performed in the hospital detects abnormalities in the pregnancy. The patient is referred to a specialist for follow-up, and the hospital imaging report is sent with the patient for further review.

What is modifier 27 used for?

The CPT defines modifier –27 as “multiple outpatient hospital evaluation and management encounters on the same date.” HCFA will recognize and accept the use of modifier –27 on hospital OPPS claims effective for services on or after October 1, 2001.

Where is the TC modifier located?

The TC modifier is located in the HCPCS codebook in the Level II National Codes section, which follows the Table of Drugs section. Note the image highlighting the TC modifier and its description in the codebook.

When to use modifier 25?

The use of modifier 25 “indicates that documentation is available in the patient's record to support the reported E/M service as significant and separately identifiable,” the council report (PDF) adds.

What is TC and PC in medical billing?

Professional Component (PC)/Technical Component (TC) Indicator. The Medicare PC/TC Indicators have been adapted for workers' compensation and have the following meanings: 0 = Physician Service Codes--Identifies codes that describe physician services. Examples include visits, consultations, and.

Can we bill 26 modifier in POS 11?

If the radiologist indicated a place of service of 11 (office), the service 70450 appended with Modifier 26 would be denied for an ineligible place of service. Please note the above also applies to the technical component (TC). Only POS 21, 22 and 23 are appropriate for TC and PC component.

What is a TC technical component?

Modifier TC is defined as “Technical Component” and should be appended to a procedure code when the provider rendered only the technical component of the service.

What is the difference between technical component and professional component?

At times, the technical component may be performed by the clinic, but the professional component is performed by an outside physician or laboratory.

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 is a 24 modifier used for?

Modifier 24 is defined as an unrelated evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during a post-operative period.

What is the 33 modifier used for?

Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) modifier 33 can be used when billing for ACA-designated preventive services with a commercial payer. The addition of modifier 33 communicates to a commercial payer that a given service was provided as an ACA preventive service.

What modifier is 77?

CPT Modifier 77 'Repeat procedure by another physician': A physician may need to indicate that he or she repeated a service performed by another physician on the same day.

What is the 59 modifier used for?

Modifier 59 Distinct Procedural Service indicates that a procedure is separate and distinct from another procedure on the same date of service. Typically, this modifier is applied to a procedure code that is not ordinarily paid separately from the first procedure but should be paid per the specifics of the situation.

When to use modifier 32?

Modifier 32 is used only whenever a service has to be extended to a third party entity or in the case of Worker's Compensation or some other such official entity. However, modifier 32 may never be used when the patient wishes to seek a second opinion from a different doctor.

What is the 57 modifier used for?

CPT modifier 57 may be used to report the decision for surgery for certain codes. This modifier may be used to indicate that an evaluation and management (E/M) service performed on the same day or the day before a major surgery (090 global days) by the surgeon resulted in the decision to perform the procedure.

How many times can you use modifier 59?

Don't report CPT code 97750 with modifier 59 if you perform 2 procedures during the same time block. You may report modifier 59 when you perform 2 timed procedures in 2 different blocks of time on the same day.

What is modifier 25 used for?

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.

What is the TC modifier for Xrays?

TC – The technical component includes all necessary equipment, materials, staff, and expenses associated with carrying out the procedure. When only the technical component is being billed, the TC modifier should be appended to the relevant CPT code.