Why is modifier 25 necessary?
Asked by: Steve Hoppe | Last update: July 22, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (24 votes)
What is the purpose of 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.
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.
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 ...
What are the CMS guidelines for using modifier 25?
Use modifier 25 (same-day significant, separately identifiable E/M service) on the claim when you report critical care services unrelated to the service or procedure that you perform on the same day. You must also document the medical record with the relevant criteria for the respective E/M service you're reporting.
MEDICAL CODING MODIFIER 25 - Compliantly bill an E&M and separate service on the same date
What is inappropriate use of modifier 25?
Do not use modifier 25 when billing for services performed during a post-operative period if related to the previous surgery. Related follow-up examinations by the same provider during the global period of a previous procedure are included in that procedure's global surgical package.
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.
Can I use modifier 25 on a preventive visit?
Beginning January 1, 2025, Medicare will allow payment for G2211 when the base E/M services is appended with modifier 25 and provided on the same date as an annual wellness visit, initial preventive physical examination, vaccine or Medicare preventive service.
Does modifier 25 or 95 go first?
Since both modifier 25 and 95 can impact payment, list modifier 25 first.
Can you bill both modifier 25 and 57 together?
Both Major and Minor Surgeries on the Same Day When a decision for surgery includes both major and minor surgeries and is made the day of surgery, the E&M billed for the decision must have both modifier –57 and modifier –25 appended.
Which scenario qualifies for 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 use modifier 25 with Medicare?
The Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requires that Modifier 25 should only be used on claims for E/M services, and only when these services are provided by the same physician (or same qualified nonphysician practitioner) to the same patient on the same day as another procedure or other service.
When to use 25 and 59 modifiers?
Only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. Note: Modifier 59 should not be appended to an E/M service. To report a separate and distinct E/M service with a non-E/M service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.”
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.
Is modifier 25 needed for immunizations?
Yes, you bill the immunizations separate from the well-child visit, with the -25 on the visit. in fact, if you read the introduction to the Preventive Medicine Services (page 36 in the AMA Professional CPT edition), it states "Vaccine/toxoid products, immunization administrations.....are reported separately".
How do you know if a CPT code needs a modifier?
- 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.
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 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 modifier 25 for AWV?
Coding and Billing a Medicare AWV
Physicians must append modifier -25 (significant, separately identifiable service) to the medically necessary E/M service, e.g. 99213-25, to be paid for both services.
What is the modifier for two ER visits same day?
What is the modifier for two visits on the same day? The modifier commonly used for reporting two E&M visits on the same day is modifier 25. It signifies a significant, separately identifiable E&M service provided by the same healthcare professional on the same day.
Can you bill an AWV and E&M together?
The CMS website states “When you provide an annual wellness visit and a significant, separately identifiable, medically necessary Evaluation and Management (E/M) service, Medicare may pay the additional service. Report the additional CPT code with Modifier-25.
What is the modifier 25 rule?
Modifier 25 is defined as a significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management (E/M) service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the same day of the procedure or other 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.
Can you put a 25 modifier on 99396?
By appending modifier 25 to the preventive visit code (99396), the provider can accurately report both services and receive appropriate reimbursement for each. Utilizing modifier 25 correctly is crucial to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement for preventive visits that include problem-oriented services.