Modifier Codes

What are HCPCS Modifier codes for?

A modifier provides the means by which the reporting physician or provider can indicate that a service or procedure that has been performed has been altered by some specific circumstance but not changed in its definition or code. The judicious application of modifiers obviates the necessity for separate procedure listings that may describe the modifying circumstance. Modifiers may be used to
indicate to the recipient of a report that:

• A service or procedure has both a professional
  and technical component.
• A service or procedure was performed by more
  than one physician and/or in more than one
  location.
• A service or procedure has been increased or
  reduced.
• Only part of a service was performed.
• An adjunctive service was performed.
• A bilateral procedure was performed.
• A service or procedure was provided more than
  once.
• Unusual events occurred.