
When to use XE, XP, XS, Xu modifiers?
Feb 25, 2020 · Modifiers XE, XS, XP and XU describe specific information and circumstances regarding why two or more services are appropriately reported together. What is difference between Xs and 59 modifier? Modifier XS defines a subset of the modifier 59, Distinct Procedural Service. Modifier XS does not, however, apply to cases where the practitioner addresses a …
What is the XS modifier?
Aug 31, 2021 · Modifier XS Definition Separate Structure, A Service That Is Distinct Because It Was Performed on A Separate Organ/Structure Appropriate Usage Append when coding pairs are part of National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) procedure to procedure edits Append when documentation indicates services were provided on different organs/structures
What is the Medicare modifier?
Definition of Modifiers 59, XE, XP, XS, and XU The CPT Manual defines modifier 59 as follows: “Distinct Procedural Service: Under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-E/M (Evaluation/Management) services performed on the same day. Modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other …
What is Medicare Hospice modifier?
Jun 12, 2020 · Modifier Modifier Definition. Modifier XE Separate Encounter, A Service That Is Distinct Because It Occurred During A Separate. Encounter. Modifier XS Separate Structure, A Service That Is Distinct Because It Was Performed On A Separate Organ/Structure. Modifier XP Separate Practitioner, A Service That Is Distinct Because It Was Performed By A

Does Medicare accept XS modifier?
Medicare recently announced they've established four new modifiers – XE, XS, XP, and XU – that may be used in lieu of modifier 59.
What is XS modifier used for?
Modifiers 59 or -XS are used appropriately for different anatomic sites during the same encounter only when procedures which are not ordinarily performed or encountered on the same day are performed on different organs, or different anatomic regions, or in limited situations on different, non-contiguous lesions in ...Nov 24, 2020
Is modifier XS the same as 59?
The -X{EPSU} modifiers are more specific versions of the -59 modifier. It is not appropriate to bill both modifier 59 and a -X{EPSU} modifier on the same line.Nov 10, 2021
When should Xe modifier be used?
Modifier -XE is used to indicate a separate surgical operative session on the same date of service or a distinct encounter after the patient has left the hospital or changed status or locations within the facility. Example: 8 a.m. outpatient surgery and 8 p.m. outpatient surgery.Feb 1, 2019
What modifier should be used with 97140?
modifier -59The 97140 CPT code is appended with the modifier -59 or the appropriate -X modifier.Oct 8, 2021
What are Medicare modifiers?
Modifiers can be two digit numbers, two character modifiers, or alpha-numeric indicators. Modifiers provide additional information to payers to make sure your provider gets paid correctly for services rendered.Mar 3, 2022
What is the ABN modifier?
This modifier indicates that an ABN is on file and allows the provider to bill the patient if not covered by Medicare. Use of this modifier ensures that upon denial, Medicare will. automatically assign the beneficiary liability.
When should you append modifier 91 to CPT code?
Modifier 91 is defined by CPT® as representative of Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test, and is used to indicate when subsequent lab tests are performed on the same patient, on the same day in order to obtain new test data over the course of treatment.
IS 99211 being deleted in 2021?
CPT code 99211 (established patient, level 1) will remain as a reportable service. History and examination will be removed as key components for selecting the level of E&M service. Currently, history and exam are two of the three components used to select the appropriate E&M service.
Does Aetna accept modifier XS?
1, 2020. Aetna's policy is consistent with the CMS changes. The Aetna decision significantly reduces the instances in which a PT will need to append the 59, X, XE, XP, XS, or XU modifiers and will eliminate situations in which certain code pairs were prohibited.Feb 5, 2021
What does Xe modifier indicate?
XE – “Separate encounter, A service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter” This modifier should only be used to describe separate encounters on the same date of service.Jul 26, 2021
What is the GC modifier mean?
A GC Modifier is a modifier added to a CPT code for service(s) performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician (TP). When should the GC modifier be used? A GC Modifier is used when a resident, under the direction of a teaching physician, is involved in the management and care of a patient.
Definition
Separate Structure, A Service That Is Distinct Because It Was Performed on A Separate Organ/Structure
Appropriate Usage
Append when coding pairs are part of National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) procedure to procedure edits
Inappropriate Usage
Appending when code pairs are not part of the NCCI procedure to procedure edits
What modifiers are used in lieu of 59?
Medicare recently announced they’ve established four new modifiers – XE, XS, XP, and XU – that may be used in lieu of modifier 59. The codes are more specific and become effective January 1, 2015.
What is modifier 59?
Modifier 59 is used to define a “Distinct Procedural Service.”. These are procedures and services performed by a healthcare provider that are not typically reported together, but are appropriate and separately billable given the circumstances.
Is 59 a valid modifier?
How to Use the –X {EPSU} Modifiers. Modifier 59 is not going away and will continue to be a valid modifier, according to Medicare. However, modifier 59 should NOT be used when a more appropriate modifier, like a XE, XP, XS or XU modifier, is available. Certain codes that are prone to incorrect billing may also require one of the new modifiers.
What is a modifier in coding?
Modifiers provide a way to indicate that the service or procedure has been altered by some specific circumstance, but has not been changed in definition or code. Modifiers are intended to communicate specific information about a certain service or procedure that is not already contained in the code definition itself.
What is a CPT modifier?
Modifiers are two-character suffixes (alpha and/or numeric) that are attached to a procedure code. CPT modifiers are defined by the American Medical Association (AMA). HCPCS Level II modifiers are defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
What to do if there is no code or combination of codes or modifiers to accurately report the service that was performed
If there is no code or combination of codes or modifier (s) to accurately report the service that was performed, provide written documentation and use the unlisted code closest to the section which resembles the type of service provided to report the service.
Does modifier 59 require a different diagnosis?
“Use of modifier 59 to indicate different procedures/surgeries does not require a different diagnosis for each HCPCS/CPT coded procedure/surgery. Additionally, different diagnoses are not adequate criteria for use of modifier 59. The HCPCS/CPT codes remain bundled unless the procedures/surgeries are performed at different anatomic sites or separate patient encounters.” 2
Is modifer 59 appropriate?
modifer 59. Depending upon your specific circumstances XS or 59 may be most appropriate. A diagnostic procedure is performed. Due to the findings, a decision is then made to perform a therapeutic/surgical procedure. (This may or may not occur in the same procedure room during the same session/encounter.)
Can you bypass NCCI edit?
If the Medicare program imposes restrictions on the use of a modifier, the modifier may only be used to bypass an NCCI edit if the Medicare restrictions are fulfilled.”. “Modifier 59 and other NCCI-associated modifiers should NOT be used to bypass an NCCI edit unless the proper criteria for use of the modifier are met.
What are the modifiers for NCCI?
Background: Modifiers 59, XE, XS, XP, and XU are included among the NCCI-associated modifiers. MCS currently requires that modifiers 59, XE, XS, XP, or XU be appended to the column two code of a PTP edit in order to bypass the edit.
What is Medicare Administrative Contractor?
The Medicare Administrative Contractor is hereby advised that this constitutes technical direction as defined in your contract. CMS does not construe this as a change to the MAC Statement of Work. The contractor is not obligated to incur costs in excess of the amounts allotted in your contract unless and until specifically authorized by the Contracting Officer. If the contractor considers anything provided, as described above, to be outside the current scope of work, the contractor shall withhold performance on the part(s) in question and immediately notify the Contracting Officer, in writing or by e-mail, and request formal directions regarding continued performance requirements.
Does the revision date apply to red italicized material?
Disclaimer for manual changes only: The revision date and transmittal number apply only to red italicized material. Any other material was previously published and remains unchanged. However, if this revision contains a table of contents, you will receive the new/revised information only, and not the entire table of contents.
What is modifier 59?
“One of the common misuses of modifier 59 is related to the portion of the definition of modifier 59 allowing its use to describe “different procedure or surgery”. The code descriptors of the two codes of a code pair edit consisting of two surgical procedures or two diagnostic procedures usually represent different procedures or surgeries. The edit indicates that the two procedures/surgeries cannot be reported together if performed at the same anatomic site and same patient encounter. The provider cannot use modifier 59 for such an edit based on the two codes being different procedures/surgeries. However, if the two procedures/surgeries are performed at separate anatomic sites or at separate patient encounters on the same date of service, modifier 59 may be appended to indicate that they are different procedures/surgeries on that date of service.” (CMS2)
What is the purpose of Moda Health reimbursement policy?
The purpose of this Reimbursement Policy is to document Moda Health’s payment guidelines for those services covered by a member’s medical benefit plan. Healthcare providers (facilities, physicians and other professionals) are expected to exercise independent medical judgment in providing care to members. Moda Health Reimbursement Policy is not intended to impact care decisions or medical practice.
When is modifier 59 used?
Effective July 1, 2019, CMS carriers will process modifier 59 when it is used on either the column 1 procedure or the column 2 procedure. The CCI bundling edit will be bypassed when modifier 59, XE, XS, XP, or XU is used on column 1 and column 2 codes.
What is modifier 59?
This means that if modifier 59 is put on the Column 1 code, the unbundling meant to take place by using modifier 59 (or XE, XS, XP, or XU) does not happen.#N#Click here for case studies on how to use the X [EPSU] modifiers correctly.
Does modifier 59 affect Medicare?
Also, the policy change does not affect your Medicare Managed Care payers, Medicaid, or your commercial payers. Survey all of these payers to find out if they have any limitations when applying modifier 59 where it comes to the Column 1 and Column 2 codes. While performing your survey, you might also want to ask your payers if they recognize ...

Four New Modifiers to Use Instead of Modifier 59 – Xe, XS, XP & Xu
What Is Modifier 59?
- Modifier 59 is used to define a “Distinct Procedural Service.” These are procedures and services performed by a healthcare provider that are not typically reported together, but are appropriate and separately billable given the circumstances. When modifier 59 is appended to a CPT code, it indicates that the service is separate and distinct from another service with which it would usual…
Why New Modifiers?
- Modifier 59 is not only the most used modifier, but it’s also the most abused. And while the abuse may be unintentional at times, the improper coding leads to incorrectly paid claims. As audits have increased, CMS has realized that more specific modifiers may be helpful in deterring this abuse. The -X{EPSU} modifiers are essentially a subset of modifier 59. CMS believes their usag…
How to Use The –X{EPSU} Modifiers
- Modifier 59 is not going away and will continue to be a valid modifier, according to Medicare. However, modifier 59 should NOTbe used when a more appropriate modifier, like a XE, XP, XS or XU modifier, is available. Certain codes that are prone to incorrect billing may also require one of the new modifiers. CMS is encouraging providers to adopt the modifiers quickly; they may be us…
Additional Information
- Medicare Learning Network: MLM MM8863 Manual System: Transmittal 1422 Here is a link to my other post with some examples of how to use the new modifiers. CLICK FOR MODIFIER EXAMPLES Still confused? Feel free to ask questions in the comments and we’ll do our best to answer!