Understanding the Basics of Evaluation and Management Services

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 59 views

If a Distinct Evaluation and Management Service is Billed with an Injection, What Modifier Must be Attached?

Understanding the Basics of Evaluation and Management Services

Evaluation and management (E/M) services are a crucial part of medical billing, and they involve the assessment and management of a patient's condition. These services are typically provided by physicians, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals. When it comes to billing E/M services, there are specific guidelines that must be followed to ensure accurate and compliant claims.

The Importance of Modifiers in Medical Billing

Modifiers are used in medical billing to indicate specific circumstances or conditions that affect the payment for a service. They are usually two-digit codes that are appended to the CPT code for a service. Modifiers can be used to indicate a variety of things, such as the location of the service, the type of service, or the circumstances under which the service was provided.

When is a Modifier Required for an E/M Service?

In general, a modifier is required for an E/M service when the service is provided in conjunction with another service, such as an injection. This is because the E/M service and the injection are considered separate services, and the modifier is used to indicate that the E/M service was provided in conjunction with the injection.

The Correct Modifier for an E/M Service with an Injection

The correct modifier for an E/M service with an injection is the 25 modifier. This modifier is used to indicate that the E/M service was provided in conjunction with an injection or an infusion. The 25 modifier is a "significant, separately identifiable E/M service" modifier, which means that the E/M service was provided in addition to the injection or infusion.

Example of How to Use the 25 Modifier

For example, let's say a physician provides an E/M service to a patient and also administers an injection as part of the visit. In this case, the physician would use the 25 modifier to indicate that the E/M service was provided in conjunction with the injection. The CPT code for the E/M service would be followed by the 25 modifier, like this:

99214-25

In this example, the 99214 code represents the E/M service, and the 25 modifier indicates that the service was provided in conjunction with an injection.

When is the 25 Modifier Not Required?

The 25 modifier is not required when the E/M service is provided as part of a global period for a procedure. The global period is the time period during which a procedure is considered to be a single service, and the E/M service is included in the global period. In this case, the 25 modifier is not required because the E/M service is already included in the global period.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when a distinct evaluation and management service is billed with an injection, the 25 modifier must be attached. This modifier is used to indicate that the E/M service was provided in conjunction with the injection, and it is an important part of accurate and compliant medical billing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 25 modifier used for? A: The 25 modifier is used to indicate that an E/M service was provided in conjunction with an injection or an infusion.
Q: When is the 25 modifier required? A: The 25 modifier is required when an E/M service is provided in conjunction with an injection or an infusion.
Q: What is the CPT code for an E/M service with an injection? A: The CPT code for an E/M service with an injection is followed by the 25 modifier, like this: 99214-25

Additional Resources

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). (2022). Evaluation and Management Services Guide.
American Medical Association (AMA). (2022). CPT 2022 Professional Edition.
American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). (2022). Evaluation and Management Services.

References

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). (2022). Evaluation and Management Services Guide.
American Medical Association (AMA). (2022). CPT 2022 Professional Edition.
American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). (2022). Evaluation and Management Services.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Basics of Evaluation and Management Services
The Importance of Modifiers in Medical Billing
When is a Modifier Required for an E/M Service?
The Correct Modifier for an E/M Service with an Injection
Example of How to Use the 25 Modifier
When is the 25 Modifier Not Required?
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Resources
References
Table of Contents
Evaluation and Management Services: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between an E/M service and a procedure?

A: An E/M service is a type of medical service that involves the assessment and management of a patient's condition, while a procedure is a specific medical intervention, such as a surgery or an injection.

Q: What is the purpose of the 25 modifier?

A: The 25 modifier is used to indicate that an E/M service was provided in conjunction with an injection or an infusion. It is an important part of accurate and compliant medical billing.

Q: When is the 25 modifier required?

A: The 25 modifier is required when an E/M service is provided in conjunction with an injection or an infusion. It is not required when the E/M service is provided as part of a global period for a procedure.

Q: What is the global period for a procedure?

A: The global period is the time period during which a procedure is considered to be a single service, and the E/M service is included in the global period. This period typically ranges from 0 to 90 days, depending on the type of procedure.

Q: Can an E/M service be billed separately from a procedure?

A: Yes, an E/M service can be billed separately from a procedure, but it must be documented and supported by medical records.

Q: What is the difference between a 25 modifier and a 59 modifier?

A: A 25 modifier is used to indicate that an E/M service was provided in conjunction with an injection or an infusion, while a 59 modifier is used to indicate that a separate procedure was performed on a separate date of service.

Q: Can an E/M service be billed with a 59 modifier?

A: Yes, an E/M service can be billed with a 59 modifier, but it must be documented and supported by medical records.

Q: What is the correct CPT code for an E/M service with an injection?

A: The correct CPT code for an E/M service with an injection is followed by the 25 modifier, like this: 99214-25

Q: Can an E/M service be billed with a 25 modifier and a 59 modifier?

A: No, an E/M service cannot be billed with both a 25 modifier and a 59 modifier. The 25 modifier is used to indicate that the E/M service was provided in conjunction with an injection or an infusion, while the 59 modifier is used to indicate that a separate procedure was performed on a separate date of service.

Q: What is the importance of accurate and compliant medical billing?

A: Accurate and compliant medical billing is essential to ensure that healthcare providers receive the correct reimbursement for their services. It also helps to prevent audits and penalties from payers.

Q: Can an E/M service be billed with a 25 modifier if it is part of a global period for a procedure?

A: No, an E/M service cannot be billed with a 25 modifier if it is part of a global period for a procedure. The 25 modifier is only required when the E/M service is provided in conjunction with an injection or an infusion.

Q: What is the difference between a 25 modifier and a 57 modifier?

A: A 25 modifier is used to indicate that an E/M service was provided in conjunction with an injection or an infusion, while a 57 modifier is used to indicate that a separate E/M service was provided on a separate date of service.

Q: Can an E/M service be billed with a 25 modifier and a 57 modifier?

A: No, an E/M service cannot be billed with both a 25 modifier and a 57 modifier. The 25 modifier is used to indicate that the E/M service was provided in conjunction with an injection or an infusion, while the 57 modifier is used to indicate that a separate E/M service was provided on a separate date of service.

Q: What is the correct procedure for billing an E/M service with a 25 modifier?

A: The correct procedure for billing an E/M service with a 25 modifier is to:

Document the E/M service and the injection or infusion in the patient's medical record.
Use the correct CPT code for the E/M service, followed by the 25 modifier.
Submit the claim to the payer with the correct modifier.

Q: Can an E/M service be billed with a 25 modifier if it is a follow-up visit?

A: Yes, an E/M service can be billed with a 25 modifier if it is a follow-up visit, but it must be documented and supported by medical records.

Q: What is the difference between a 25 modifier and a 76 modifier?

A: A 25 modifier is used to indicate that an E/M service was provided in conjunction with an injection or an infusion, while a 76 modifier is used to indicate that a separate E/M service was provided on a separate date of service.

Q: Can an E/M service be billed with a 25 modifier and a 76 modifier?

A: No, an E/M service cannot be billed with both a 25 modifier and a 76 modifier. The 25 modifier is used to indicate that the E/M service was provided in conjunction with an injection or an infusion, while the 76 modifier is used to indicate that a separate E/M service was provided on a separate date of service.

Q: What is the correct procedure for billing an E/M service with a 25 modifier and a 59 modifier?

A: The correct procedure for billing an E/M service with a 25 modifier and a 59 modifier is to:

Document the E/M service and the injection or infusion in the patient's medical record.
Use the correct CPT code for the E/M service, followed by the 25 modifier.
Use the correct CPT code for the separate procedure, followed by the 59 modifier.
Submit the claim to the payer with the correct modifiers.

Q: Can an E/M service be billed with a 25 modifier and a 59 modifier if it is a follow-up visit?

A: No, an E/M service cannot be billed with a 25 modifier and a 59 modifier if it is a follow-up visit. The 25 modifier is used to indicate that the E/M service was provided in conjunction with an injection or an infusion, while the 59 modifier is used to indicate that a separate procedure was performed on a separate date of service.

Q: What is the difference between a 25 modifier and a 73 modifier?

A: A 25 modifier is used to indicate that an E/M service was provided in conjunction with an injection or an infusion, while a 73 modifier is used to indicate that a separate E/M service was provided on a separate date of service.

Q: Can an E/M service be billed with a 25 modifier and a 73 modifier?

A: No, an E/M service cannot be billed with both a 25 modifier and a 73 modifier. The 25 modifier is used to indicate that the E/M service was provided in conjunction with an injection or an infusion, while the 73 modifier is used to indicate that a separate E/M service was provided on a separate date of service.

Q: What is the correct procedure for billing an E/M service with a 25 modifier and a 73 modifier?

A: The correct procedure for billing an E/M service with a 25 modifier and a 73 modifier is to:

Document the E/M service and the injection or infusion in the patient's medical record.
Use the correct CPT code for the E/M service, followed by the 25 modifier.
Use the correct CPT code for the separate E/M service, followed by the 73 modifier.
Submit the claim to the payer with the correct modifiers.

Q: Can an E/M service be billed with a 25 modifier and a 73 modifier if it is a follow-up visit?

A: No, an E/M service cannot be billed with a 25 modifier and a 73 modifier if it is a follow-up visit. The 25 modifier is used to indicate that the E/M service was provided in conjunction with an injection or an infusion, while the 73 modifier is used to indicate that a separate E/M service was provided on a separate date of service.

Q: What is the difference between a 25 modifier and a 74 modifier?

A: A 25 modifier is used to indicate that an E/M service was provided in conjunction with an injection or an infusion, while a 74 modifier is used to indicate that a separate E/M service was provided on a separate date of service.

Q: Can an E/M service be billed with a 25 modifier and a 74 modifier?

A: No, an E/M service cannot be billed with both a 25 modifier and a 74 modifier. The 25 modifier is used to indicate that the E/M service was provided in conjunction with an injection or an infusion, while the 74 modifier is used to indicate that a separate E/M service was provided on a separate date of service.

Q: What is the correct procedure for billing an E/M service with a 25 modifier and a 74 modifier?

A: The correct procedure for billing an E/M service with a 25 modifier and a 74 modifier is to:

Document the E/M service and the injection or infusion in the patient's medical record.
Use the correct CPT code for the E/M service, followed by the 25 modifier.
Use the correct CPT code for the separate E/M service, followed by the 74 modifier.
Submit the claim to the payer with