Medical Billing:
There is an old medical saying, that “If it is not documented, it is not done”. This is why in medical billing proper documentation leads to no denials. There should be proper evidence and documentation in the patient’s medical files. When we talk about medical billing, modifiers are an essential component. Medical billing is a process that involves receiving reimbursements from the healthcare insurance company for the services provided by the healthcare providers. It involves reviewing the patient’s diagnosis, medical records, and treatment procedures. This information is later submitted to the respected party (insurance company, patient, or the government program) to submit a medical claim. The healthcare medical biller makes sure that the service of diagnosing and treating patients is being performed.
What is a modifier in medical billing?
In medical billing, modifiers are the coding tools that play a critical role. They help inform and explain the payers regarding the work done by a physician while treating their patient. Even a slight mistake or incorrect use can trigger audits and lost revenues. Detailed and correct documentation of a visit should be reported.
Types of Modifiers in Medical Billing:
There are a number of billing modifiers in medical billing. The key is to know when and when not to use the specific modifier. Using the right modifier can help prevent potential audits and maximize timely payments. These Medicare modifiers are grouped in two, one includes those that are applicable for E/M services and the other includes the modifiers that are not applicable for E/M services. Commonly used medical billing modifiers include the following:
- Modifier 25
- Modifier 26
- Modifier 59
- Modifier 91
Modifier 25 in Medical billing:
This modifier is a coding tool used to indicate an E/M (evaluation and management) service by the same healthcare provider on the same day when the procedure or other service was provided to the patient. Or in a specific terminology, “Significant and separately identifiable” E/M service. This ensures that the patient, in that specific condition, requires an E/M procedure beyond the usual pre-operative or post-operative care. But what services are significant and separately identifiable? The answer is that any usual E/M service related to pre-op and post-op care including the medical diagnosis and decision making related to the procedure.
Medicare 25 modifier should only be used as a coding tool for E/M services according to CMS (Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services). Following are some of the key points to be considered when using a modifier 25.
- Modifier 25 for medical billing can only be used for E/M services.
- It can only be used when the same physician performs a procedure or another service to the same patient on the same day.
- Modifier 25 cannot be used to report decisions for performing a surgical procedure based on an E/M service.
- If a minimal procedure is performed on the same day unless a significant and separately identifiable service is being performed, don’t attach modifier 25 for an E/M service.
- If only an E/M service is being performed (no procedure), don’t use modifier 25.
- If a patient comes in for a scheduled procedure, modifier 25 is not appropriate.
- Do not use the modifier 25 for any service performed prior to the surgery (in the postoperative period of the patient) when billing for the services.
Examples of Modifier 25:
Following is an example of using modifier 25 correctly.
For instance, if a woman walks into a dermatology clinic. The physician performs a complete examination of the skin from her head to toe. This would classify as a regular skin check-up. But if the dermatologist finds any skin lesion and determines a biopsy. It would classify as a separately identifiable E/M service. And hence, modifier 25 would be applicable in this scenario.
Services being provided by the physician should be justifiable most importantly in modifier 25. There should be complete detailed documentation for the support. Improper documentation and medical records result in underpayments and incorrect claims. However, note that the coding and proper compensations do not just depend on the modifier 25.
Here are some rules in order to use modifier 25:
– Link the modifier to the CPT code, always
– Add both E/M service and the procedure being performed in the document
– Medical billing modifiers can inform the third-party payers who are directly linked to the payment.
The claim made by using modifier 25 to the insurance carrier, you are informing them regarding payments of both E/M service and the medical procedure performed.
Modifier 26 in Medical Billing:
Modifier 26 is a unique coding tool for medical billing. As mentioned above, modifiers play a critical role in medical billing. Modifier 26 in medical billing is used for medical procedures that involve both professional and technical services. This is more common for diagnostic procedures like ultrasounds, CT scans or MRI scans, etc. Professional component means the supervision, evaluation, or written report service provided by a physician. Note that this service is provided by the physician without performing the test themselves. The two components (professional by the physician and technical by the technician) are reported separately for this modifier. Important, modifier 26 only indicates the reading and interpretation service provided for the diagnostic scans or lab tests service performed. Using modifier 26 in medical billing ensures that the technical aspect of the service has been reimbursed as it usually results in a reduction by the payer. The reason is that the same healthcare provider did not perform the technical service for the patient.
Modifier 26 is specifically used to highlight the fact that the medical physician interpreted the reports without actually performing the test themselves. The question is when can this type of scenario even occur? Following are some examples that might help you understand the use of modifier 26 in a better way.
Scenario 1:
If your medical physician orders a test from another pathology lab to help diagnose the disease. The report shared by the lab includes a written report or interpretation by the lab pathologist to the physician. In this scenario, the lab pathologist can use modifier 26 for billing the procedure by presenting their written report or interpretation of the test performed.
Scenario 2:
If a patient is presented in the ER for a head injury and the attending physician orders a CT scan for evaluation. The test is then sent to the attending radiologist for interpretation. The radiologist reviews the report and sends it back with their interpretation (e.g. no sign of internal damage or injury) with advice to release the patient from care.
In this scenario, a claim for reviewing and interpreting the reports will be submitted by the radiologist. This will complete the professional component (PC) part for modifier 26. The technical component (TC) will be fulfilled by the healthcare facility for the service provided to the patient.
Following are the key points to consider while using modifier 26 in medical billing:
- It is inappropriate to use modifier 26 when both the services (technical and professional) are provided by the same provider.
- Modifier 26 is inappropriate for reporting re-read interpretation done by another medical physician.
- Don’t append the claims that include technical component only (e.g. 93005 CPT) and global only (e.g. 93000 CPT) procedure codes and tests respectively.
- Don’t use the modifier 26 for professional use only codes (e.g. 93010)
- Using the modifier 26 for medical billing correctly is the key to avoiding delays and filing clean claims.
Modifier 59 in Medical Billing:
A distinct procedural service, hence billing modifier 59. This modifier is used to indicate that the procedure performed by the physician on the same day of another service, was distinct and independent. Modifier 59 helps get paid and identify the procedures that aren’t usually reported together. Note that the services performed are appropriate under those circumstances. It may be essential that the procedure or service performed on the same day was distinct and independent. This modifier is used to identify non-E/M services. When billing two or more procedures, modifier 59 is commonly used. This is why don’t use it for reporting a single procedure.
Using Modifier 59:
Modifier 59 can be used in the following circumstances,
– It may be a different surgery or medical procedure
– Another session
– On a different organ or site location
– A separate area of injury
– A distinct incision or excision.
Hence procedures are not usually performed by the same medical physician on the same day of treatment. Documentation must support all the above-mentioned points.
When to use Modifier 59 in Medical Billing?
In case another suitable and appropriate modifier is available, use that rather than using the modifier 59 for medical billing. Modifier 59 is the most suitable when there is no other modifier descriptive enough to be used.
This modifier is the most inappropriately used modifier in medical billing. The major reason for this is that this modifier identifies two separate medical procedures that were performed on different areas of the body, by the same physician on the same day. Modifier 59 applies to the medical procedures performed on the same day as the other (primary) medical procedure was performed. Note that for an E/M service, modifier 59 cannot be appended. For this, see modifier 25.
Following are some of the points to be considered for using the modifier 59 in medical coding:
– Don’t use this modifier when there is another appropriate modifier available.
– There should be proper documentation in the patient’s medical file when using modifier 59
– Don’t use modifier 59 for an E/M service.
– Modifier 59 distinguishes between different sessions, procedures, or a separate surgery.
Note that modifier 59 does not support using a separate diagnosis code for each of the services performed. The insurance payer may review the use of modifier 59 to check whether it is being used correctly or not before compensating the payment against the modifier code.
Examples for using Modifier 59:
As mentioned above, modifier 59 can only be used when different procedures are done in the same visit. For instance, a patient for a diagnostic test like nerve conduction study (NCS). If the procedure is done with different nerves, modifier 59 can be used.
Modifier 59 can only be used if the procedures are performed at 15-minute intervals.
Another example could be if a physician in the same visit, performs both therapeutic and manual therapy on the patient.
Misusing any modifier including modifier 59 in medical billing can cause the payer party to deny the claim altogether. This is the major reason why using the right modifier in the right situation is important. Adding modifier 59 without any substantial evidence or documentation can result in denial. Only a coder or biller with access to a patient’s medical files and charts can add the modifier 59. This modifier is also known as an anatomical modifier, which means it identifies that the procedure performed was a different service provided by the healthcare physician on the same day. Modifier 59 is a multiple procedure modifier.
Modifier 91 in Medical Billing:
Repeat Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Test, Hence modifier 91 in medical billing. This modifier identifies the repeated lab tests done for the same patient. The point to remember is that these tests are done on the same day. Modifier 91 implies that the service provided by the healthcare physician of repeated tests was with intent and should be payable.
Appending the correct modifier is essential in this matter as it may appear duplication of services (due to repeated diagnostic tests) and can lead to denial. Modifier 59 and Modifier 91 in medical billing are often confused with one another. As 59 also is used for two procedures done on the same day. But there is a difference to be noted, that modifier 91 can only be appended for laboratory diagnostic tests whereas modifier 59 is used for services that are distinctive of one another, under the circumstance.
Scenario 1:
For instance, a diabetic ketoacidosis patient comes in for potassium replacement and low-dose insulin therapy. Physicians order multiple tests to monitor their potassium levels for the treatment progress, on the same date after the initial potassium test.
Conclusion:
Above are some of the commonly used modifiers in medical billing. Using them correctly and appropriately helps in reimbursement and no denials.
A couple of years ago, I executed the effective plan of creating a Medical billing and Coding company named U Control Billing. The company aims to bring revolutionary advancements to foster medical billing and coding revenues. As an official member of HIA-LI and MGMA, I feel honored in providing networking opportunities, problem-solving, and improving the revenue management cycle.
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