How is modifier -27 defined?

Modifier -27 is defined as indicating multiple outpatient visits on the same date of service. This modifier is particularly useful in cases where a patient has had more than one encounter with a healthcare provider on the same day. It helps distinguish these multiple visits for reimbursement and documentation purposes, ensuring that the services provided are accurately conveyed.

Applying modifier -27 allows providers to be compensated for each of those encounters, acknowledging the continuity of care that may be necessary for a patient's treatment on that specific day. This is important for both the provider's revenue and the appropriate documentation of patient care.

The other options, although descriptive of various coding modifiers, do not apply to modifier -27. For example, bilateral procedures are indicated with a different modifier that specifically denotes that the service was performed on both sides of the body. Services that span multiple days would employ a different modifier that reflects ongoing care or extended services. Similarly, multiple procedures performed may use a modifier designed to indicate that procedures took place on the same day but under distinct circumstances or contexts.