What does modifier 47 signify?

Modifier 47 is used specifically to indicate that anesthesia was administered by the surgeon during a surgical procedure. This modifier helps to alert insurance companies and medical billing entities that the surgeon was not only performing the procedure but also took on the responsibility of providing anesthesia, which can affect the reimbursement process. When modifier 47 is appended to the procedure code, it clarifies that the anesthesia was provided by the same physician performing the surgery, distinguishing it from cases where anesthesia is administered by an anesthesia provider.

This important distinction helps ensure proper coding and billing, which can influence claims processing and payment. Understanding the specific role of modifier 47 in this context reflects a good grasp of surgical coding principles and the importance of accurately conveying the services rendered in a surgical setting.