What does the modifier XE refer to in Current Procedural Terminology?

The modifier XE signifies a "Separate Encounter" in Current Procedural Terminology (CPT). This modifier is used to indicate that a procedure or service was performed during a separate encounter from other procedures or services provided. This is particularly important for billing and coding because it helps to clarify that the procedures were distinct and not part of a single event.

For example, if a patient receives two different services on the same day with separate clinical indications, the XE modifier would be applied to show that these services are unrelated and occurred in different encounters. This ensures accurate coding and proper reimbursement from insurance, as it emphasizes the separateness of each service.

Other options refer to terms that do not align with the meaning of XE in the CPT context. "Separate Procedure" typically correlates with other modifiers like 59, which indicates that a procedure was distinct but not necessarily from a separate encounter. "Exclusive Procedure" and "Extra Encounter" are not recognized modifiers in CPT, further supporting that XE specifically denotes a separate encounter.