The Preventive Service Modifier: Modifier 33  

Category: Coding

Modifier 33 was added by the American Medical Association (AMA), and announced at the annual CPT Symposium with an effective date of January 1, 2011. Additional information has been made available during the year.

Modifier 33, Preventive Service: When the primary purpose of the service is the delivery of an evidence-based service in accordance with a US Preventive Services Task Force A or B rating in effect and other preventive services identified in preventive services mandates (legislative or regulatory), the service may be identified by appending modifier 33 Preventive Service, to the service. For separately reported services, even those specifically identified as preventive, the modifier should not be used.

A significant portion of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requires coverage of preventive services and immunizations by insurance payers with...