What does Modifier 95 require to be correctly appended?

Modifier 95 is specifically used to indicate that a service was provided via telemedicine, which requires real-time audio and visual interaction between the patient and the healthcare provider. This modifier clarifies that the service was delivered in a manner that meets the criteria for telehealth, ensuring that the communication was not only through an email or other asynchronous method but rather in a live, interactive format.

Having real-time interaction is crucial because it aligns with the definition of telemedicine as requiring synchronous communication—meaning both parties are engaged at the same moment. It enhances patient care by allowing immediate feedback, assessment, and communication, which are essential components of effective healthcare delivery.

The other choices do not directly satisfy the conditions defined for Modifier 95. While documentation of patient history is important for medical records, it doesn’t specifically pertain to the requirements of Modifier 95. Evidence of consent for telemedicine can be relevant but is not a defining requirement of how Modifier 95 is applied. Similarly, the submission of a written report post-service pertains to follow-up documentation rather than the immediate requirements for the telehealth interaction itself.