Question

In which of the following scenarios should a medical assistant choose a CPT modifier?

A) To indicate the patient's insurance information
B) To describe a specific procedure or service
C) To identify the patient's primary diagnosis
D) To specify the patient's preferred pharmacy

Answer 1

A CPT modifier is chosen to describe a specific procedure or service and ensures correct reimbursement. ICD codes are found in clinical orders for laboratory tests and by medical laboratories to identify necessary tests.

Step-by-step explanation:

A medical assistant should choose a CPT modifier B) to describe a specific procedure or service. CPT modifiers are added to CPT codes to provide additional information about the healthcare service or procedure performed. They can indicate if a procedure was altered in some way, such as if it required additional time, involved more than one surgeon, or was more complex than usual. Modifiers ensure that payers understand the work that was done so that healthcare providers are reimbursed correctly.

ICD codes, on the other hand, are used in a variety of healthcare settings. You would likely find an ICD code used by clinicians to order laboratory tests and medical laboratories to identify tests that must be performed, as these codes relate to the diagnosis of the patient, rather than the specifics of the treatments or services provided.