Which modifier would indicate a patient with a severe systemic disease?

The modifier that indicates a patient with a severe systemic disease is P3. This modifier is specifically used within the ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) physical status classification system to describe a patient who has severe systemic disease, which may have an increased risk during anesthesia but is not immediately threatening to life.

In terms of the ASA classification, P1 refers to a normal healthy patient, while P2 indicates a patient with mild systemic disease. P4 is designated for a patient with severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life. Therefore, among these options, P3 accurately reflects a patient whose medical condition is serious enough to warrant consideration in the context of anesthesia, but may not present an immediate life risk like those categorized under P4. This distinction is important for medical coding, particularly in ensuring accurate and appropriate care is reflected based on the patient's overall health status.