Modifier Mayhem: Unveiling the Mystery of FQ and 93 (It's Not as Scary as It Sounds, Promise!)
Ever felt like the world of medical billing codes is a secret language spoken by cyborgs? Fear not, weary warriors of the healthcare jungle, for today we delve into the depths of two seemingly identical beasts: FQ and 93 modifiers. Buckle up, grab your metaphorical decoder ring, and prepare for a hilarious (yes, you read that right) exploration of what sets these bad boys apart.
FQ vs 93 MODIFIER What is The Difference Between FQ And 93 MODIFIER |
They Look the Same, They Act the Same... So What's the Deal?
Imagine two peas in a pod, except one has a tiny monocle and the other sports a jaunty beret. That's kinda the FQ and 93 situation. Both scream "audio-only telehealth service!" to insurers, but with a subtle twist.
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93 is the OG, the seasoned veteran, chilling with Medicare and a few other pals. It's the code you use when you've conducted a live, interactive chat with your patient via phone or other audio-only tech. Think of it as a phone call on steroids, with all the medical goodies packed in.
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FQ, the new kid on the block, hangs out with commercial insurers and Medicaid. It's basically the same deal as 93, but with a slightly different audience. Think of it as 93's cooler cousin, maybe with a penchant for fancier terminology (just kidding, they both mean the same thing).
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So, When Do I Use Which One?
Unless you're a coding rockstar with encyclopedic knowledge of every insurer's preference, here's the golden rule: check your payer's specific guidelines. Some might be cool with either, some might have a favorite, and some might be like, "What are you even talking about?" (In which case, politely ask for clarification).
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Bonus Tip: If you're billing for behavioral health services, 93 is your go-to guy for Medicare, regardless of the delivery method (audio-only, video, smoke signals, you name it).
The Moral of the Story?
Don't let these modifiers intimidate you! They're just there to help ensure you get paid properly for your awesome telehealth services. And hey, if you accidentally use the wrong one, don't panic. Most insurers are understanding, and a quick explanation usually does the trick.
Remember, the key is to stay informed, check those guidelines, and keep calm and code on! And of course, if all else fails, there's always the internet (and hopefully this slightly humorous post) to guide you through the modifier maze.
P.S. If you have any truly epic modifier mishaps or hilarious coding stories, share them in the comments below! We could all use a good laugh (and maybe learn a thing or two).