What are CPT modifiers

In medical coding, modifiers are two digit codes that add additional information to the coded data. For example if a procedure is done on the right hand then then modifier RT can be used along with the code to indicate that the procedure was done on the right side of the body. Similarly there are modifiers for each finger, eyelids, toes, etc.

There are some modifiers that are specific to anesthesia section of CPT and these are called status modifiers. These modifiers are.

AA   Anesthesia services performed personally by anesthesiologist

AD   Medical supervision by a physician: more than four concurrent anesthesia procedures.

QK   Medically directed by a physician: two, three, or four concurrent procedures

QY   Anesthesiologist medically directs one CRNA

QX   CRNA service: with medical direction by a physician

QZ   CRNA service: without medical direction by a physician


Modifiers belonging to surgical section of CPT are:

24  Unrelated Evaluation and Management Service by the Same Physician During a Postoperative Period

25  Significant, Separately Identifiable Evaluation and Management Service by the Same Physician on the Day of a Procedure or Other Service

57  Decision for Surgery

58  Staged or Related Procedure or Service by the Same Physician During the Postoperative Period

59  Distinct Procedural Service

78  Unplanned Return to the Operating/Procedure Room by the Same Physician Following Initial Procedure for a Related Procedure During the Postoperative Period


79   Unrelated Procedure by the Same Physician During the Postoperative Period
50   Bilateral Procedure
51   Multiple Procedures
54   Surgical Care Only
55   Postoperative Management Only
62   Two surgeons
66   Surgical Team
73   Discontinued Out-patient Hospital/Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Procedure Prior to the Administration of Anesthesia

74  Discontinued Out-patient Hospital/Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Procedure after Administration of Anesthesia
80   Assistant Surgeon
81   Minimum Assistant Surgeon

82   Assistant Surgeon 
22   Increased Procedural Services
26   Professional Component
32   Mandated Services
52   Reduced Services
76   Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician
77   Repeat Procedure by Another Physician
90   Reference (Outside) Laboratory
91   Repeat Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Test

92   Alternative Laboratory Platform Testing



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