What is a modifier in the context of medical coding?

In the context of medical coding, a modifier serves as a two-digit code that is appended to a Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code. This addition provides additional information about the procedure that was performed, enabling more specific billing and coding. Modifiers can indicate that a procedure was altered in some way without changing the basic definition or code of the procedure itself. They are essential for accurately describing variations in procedures, such as whether they were performed bilaterally or if there were multiple sessions involved.

Using modifiers helps healthcare providers ensure they are reimbursed accurately for the services rendered, as insurers rely on this additional information to determine appropriate payment levels. This makes understanding and correctly applying modifiers crucial for anyone involved in medical billing and coding.