Which scenario qualifies for modifier 22?

Asked by: Mrs. Fleta Carter IV  |  Last update: October 7, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (12 votes)

Specific instances when you might use modifier 22 include substantial factors (e.g., large tumors, excessive scarring, anatomical variants) directly interfering with the procedure, excessive intraoperative blood loss, significant trauma extensive enough to complicate the procedure, or even morbid obesity in a patient ...

What is the criteria for the modifier 22?

Modifier -22: Increased Procedural Services. This modifier is used to identify a service that requires significantly greater effort, such as increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required, than is usually needed for that procedure.

Which of the following scenarios qualifies for modifier 25?

Modifier 25 should be appended to the office or other outpatient visit code to indicate that a significant, separately identifiable E/M service was provided on the same date as the preventive medicine E/M service, and the appropriate preventive medicine E/M service is additionally reported without a modifier.

What must a coder include when attaching the modifier 22 to a procedure code?

Documentation Requirements for Modifier 22

The documentation must include: A comprehensive description of the procedure, including discussing the specific factors that contributed to its increased complexity. Comparative analysis with typical scenarios, evidencing the additional effort or resources employed.

How do you know if a CPT code needs a modifier?

What Are Medical Coding Modifiers?
  • The service or procedure has both professional and technical components.
  • More than one provider performed the service or procedure.
  • More than one location was involved.
  • A service or procedure was increased or reduced in comparison to what the code typically requires.

When To Use A Modifier in Medical Coding

34 related questions found

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 are qualifying circumstances codes?

Codes 99100-99140 are add-on codes that include a list of important qualifying circumstances that significantly affect the character of the anesthesia service provided. These circumstances would be reported as additional procedure numbers qualifying an anesthesia procedure or service.

Which modifier cannot be used on a add-on codes?

There are instances where multiple procedures are performed but modifier 51 is not appropriate. Modifier 51 is not appended to add-on codes.

What is the modifier 22 for a colonoscopy?

When the colonoscopy procedure is unusual or difficult, modifier 22 (unusual procedural services) may be reported.

In what scenario would you use modifier 25?

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.

Can you bill an office visit and a procedure on the same day?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. The decision to perform a minor procedure is included in the payment for the procedure, unless a significant and separate E/M is needed, performed and documented.

Which of the following scenario modifier 26 is used for?

DEFINING MODIFIER 26

Most often, you'll see this among diagnostic testing procedures such as ultrasounds or CT scans. When the professional component of one such procedure is performed separately, the specific service performed by the physician may be identified by adding the modifier 26.

Can an assistant surgeon use modifier 22?

Assistant surgery services may be submitted with the modifier -22 as secondary to the appropriate surgical assist modifier (-81, 82 or –AS) for surgical procedures that are difficult, complex or complicated or situations where the service necessitated significantly more time to complete than the typical work effort.

When to use modifier 24 examples?

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.

What is the modifier 22 for twin delivery?

Other coders report appending modifier 22 (Increased procedural services) to the global delivery code (59400) to account for the second delivery in cases where the payer does not permit separate billing for the additional delivery.

What is the modifier 22 on add on codes?

Increased Procedural Services When the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier -22 to the usual procedure code.

What is POS 22?

22. On Campus-Outpatient Hospital. A portion of a hospital's main campus which provides diagnostic, therapeutic (both surgical and nonsurgical), and rehabilitation services to sick or injured persons who do not require hospitalization or institutionalization. (

What modifier cannot be appended to an add on code?

Modifier 50 cannot be appended to an add on code.

What is the difference between modifier 52 and 22?

Modifier 52 is used to indicate that a procedure was partially reduced, eliminated, or discontinued at the physician's discretion, while Modifier 22 is used to indicate that a procedure was more difficult or complex than usual and required significant additional time and effort.

Does modifier 22 increased RVU?

While you would use the RVU of median work time to calculate a fee to bill for the 22 mod, it isn't going to "change" the RVU of the code.

What modifier is used for unusual anesthesia?

Append Modifier 23 to an anesthesia procedure code to indicate that a procedure normally performed under local anesthesia or with a regional block required general anesthesia. Documentation shall support the reason that general anesthesia was required. and amendment of documentation.

What is an example of a qualifying circumstance?

An example would be a killing where the victim is paraded publicly before their death. This qualifying circumstance focuses not just on the physical aspect of the killing but also on the psychological harm or disgrace inflicted upon the victim.

When would a qualifying circumstance code be appropriate based on age?

This code, depicting the "age criteria", is a qualifying circumstance CPT. This is an add–on code, used along with a primary anesthesia procedure code, and is applied only in cases when the patient's age is less than 1 year or more than 70 years.

What are physical status modifiers?

Physical Status Modifier (for Anesthesia)

P1 – a normal, healthy patient. P2 – a patient with mild systemic disease. P3 – a patient with severe systemic disease. P4 – a patient with severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life.