Medical Coding Modifiers
Modifier 22
Increased Procedural Services: Indicates that the work performed was greater than typically
required.
Modifier 24
Unrelated Evaluation and Management Service by the Same Physician During a Postoperative
Period: Denotes an unrelated E/M service during a postoperative period.
Modifier 25
Significant, Separately Identifiable E/M Service by the Same Physician on the Same Day of the
Procedure: Used for an E/M service on the same day as a procedure but unrelated.
Modifier 26
Professional Component: Identifies that only the professional component of a procedure/service was
provided.
Modifier 32
Mandated Services: Indicates that services were provided because a third party required them (e.g.,
insurance or legal purposes).
Modifier 50
Bilateral Procedure: Used for procedures performed on both sides of the body.
Modifier 51
Multiple Procedures: Indicates multiple procedures were performed during the same session.
Modifier 52
Reduced Services: Used when a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated.
Modifier 53
Discontinued Procedure: Indicates a procedure was terminated due to extenuating circumstances.
Modifier 57
Decision for Surgery: Used when the E/M service resulted in the initial decision to perform surgery.
Modifier 59
Distinct Procedural Service: Used to show that services that would normally be bundled are distinct
and should be billed separately.
Modifier 76
Repeat Procedure by Same Physician: Indicates a repeat procedure by the same physician on the
same day.
Modifier 77
Repeat Procedure by Another Physician: Similar to Modifier 76 but performed by a different
physician.
Modifier 78
Unplanned Return to the Operating Room by the Same Physician: Indicates a complication that
requires a return to the operating room.
Modifier 79
Unrelated Procedure or Service by the Same Physician During the Postoperative Period: Used for a
procedure unrelated to the original surgery.
Modifier 80
Assistant Surgeon: Indicates that an assistant surgeon was involved in the procedure.
Modifier 81
Minimum Assistant Surgeon: Used when a surgical assistant is needed for a portion of the
procedure.
Modifier 82
Assistant Surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): Used when an assistant surgeon
is needed due to the unavailability of a resident.
Modifier 91
Repeat Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Test: Used for repeat lab tests for the same patient, on the
same day, for medically necessary reasons.
Modifier 99
Multiple Modifiers: Used when more than four modifiers apply to a service.
