New “Audio Only” Modifier for Telemedicine Services
January 7, 2022
The CPT® Editorial Panel Meeting recently accepted the addition of the new Modifier 93 to describe real-time telemedicine services between a patient and a physician or other qualified healthcare professional taking place via audio only. The use of this modifier took effect Jan. 1, 2022.
Modifier 93 descriptor
It’s important to note that the existence of this CPT modifier in no way guarantees reimbursement for its use. Medicare and commercial payers will make their own determinations about whether they will reimburse, and how much they will reimburse, for use of this modifier.
The communication exchanged during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered by a face-to-face interaction.
If you have questions, please contact the ISMS Health Policy Research and Advocacy team by email.
*Synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified healthcare professional and a patient who is located away at a distant site from the health professional.
- Synchronous telemedicine* service rendered via telephone or other real-time interactive audio-only telecommunications system