- Anesthesia Modifiers
- Appropriate Usage of Modifier 99
- Assistants at Surgery at Teaching Hospitals
- Bundled Services Missing Appropriate Modifiers at Time of Initial Claim Submission
- Clarification for Billing Services on Fingers and Toes Using Modifiers F1-F9, FA, TI-T9 and TA vs. Modifier 50
- Correct Usage of Modifier 79 for Multiple Procedures
- Co-Surgery/Team Surgery/Assistant Surgery Modifiers
- Modifier 25
- Modifier 33
- Modifier 51
- Modifier 52 Claim Submission Billing Reminder
- Modifier 59 and the Subset Modifiers XE, XP, XS, XU - Specific Modifiers for Distinct Procedural Services
- Modifier 90 Reference to Outside Laboratory
- Modifiers Used in CMS-1500 Claim Reporting
- Modifier Usage
- Proper Billing of Surgical Comanagement (Modifiers 54 and 55)
- Proper Use of Modifiers 59 and 91
- Reminder for Submission of Modifier 22
- Repeat Procedures - Modifiers 76 and 77
Modifier 33
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Preventive Services
When the primary purpose of the service is the delivery of an evidence-based service in accordance with a USPSTF A or B rating in effect and other preventive services identified in preventive services mandates (legislative or regulatory), the service may be identified by adding modifier 33 to the procedure. For separately reported services specifically identified as preventive, the modifier should not be used.
Anesthesia Services
Effective for claims with dates of service on or after 1/1/2018, Medicare will pay anesthesia services furnished in conjunction with and in support of a screening colonoscopy reported with CPT code 00812 (anesthesia for lower intestinal endoscopic procedures, endoscope introduced distal to duodenum; screening colonoscopy).
Effective for claims with dates of service on or after 1/1/2018, Medicare will pay for claims when a screening colonoscopy becomes a diagnostic colonoscopy, anesthesia services are reported with CPT code 00811 (anesthesia for lower intestinal endoscopic procedures, endoscopy introduced distal to duodenum; not otherwise specified) and with the PT modifier. Claims billed with CPT code 00811 will only waive the deductible when submitted with the PT modifier. The coinsurance will still be applicable.
Moderate Sedation
Effective 1/1/2017, beneficiary coinsurance and deductible continues to not apply to the following moderate sedation claim lines when furnished in conjunction with screening colonoscopy services and when billed with modifier 33 or modifier PT:
- HCPCS code G0500: Moderate sedation services provided by the same physician or other qualified health care professional performing a gastrointestinal endoscopic service that sedation supports, requiring the presence of an independent, trained observer to assist in the monitoring of the patient’s level of consciousness and physiological status; patient age five years or older (additional time may be reported with 99153, as appropriate).
- CPT code 99153: Moderate sedation services provided by the same physician or other qualified healthcare professional performing the diagnostic or therapeutic service that the sedation supports, requiring the presence of an independent, trained observer to assist in the monitoring of the patient’s level of consciousness and physiological status; each additional 15 minutes of intra-service time (List separately in addition to code for primary service).
Related Content
- MLN Matters® MM10075: Payment for Moderate Sedation Services Furnished with Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests
- MLN Matters® MM10181 Revised: Replacement of Mammography HCPCS Codes, Waiver of Coinsurance and Deductible for Preventive and Other Services, and Addition of Anesthesia and Prolonged Preventive Services
Revised 9/28/2023