Preventive Medicine: Use of Modifier 33

Modifier 33 is used to indicate Preventive Services to report quality metrics and is informational only, it has no impact on reimbursement. Modifier 33 should be reported only to private payers, Medicare and Medicaid do not recognize this modifier.

Modifier 33 is used when the primary purpose of the service is the delivery of an evidence-based service in accordance with a USPSTF A or B rating in effect and other preventive services identified in preventive services mandates (legislative or regulatory), the service may be identified by adding 33 to the procedure. For separately reported services specifically identified as preventive, the modifier should not be used.

The Preventative visit turned Diagnostic

You can apply modifier 33 if a screening turned diagnostic. according to CPT® Assistant, “is screening colonoscopy [45378 Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, with or without colon decompression (separate procedure)] that results in a polypectomy [e.g., 45383 Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; with ablation of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) not amenable to removal by hot biopsy forceps, bipolar cautery or snare technique].”