General Tips for Using Modifier 24

The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT^®) defines modifier 24 as follows, “The physician may need to indicate that an evaluation and management service was performed during a postoperative period for a reason(s) unrelated to the original procedure. This circumstance may be reported by adding the modifier 24 to the appropriate level of E/M service.”

This modifier is to be used with Evaluation and Management (E/M) procedure codes only.

When the patient presents during the postoperative period with an unrelated problem, it is appropriate to report the E/M service with modifier 24. For postoperative Evaluation and Management services, the postoperative periods are defined as 10 days for a minor surgery and 90 days for a major surgery. 

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