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Common Modifiers for DME

When billing for durable medical equipment (DME), use the appropriate HCPCS code and Modifiers for DME Services to describe the items being billed. Also, include an ICD-9/ICD-10 diagnosis code indicating the medical condition for which the item has been prescribed. Let’s understand the Durable Medical Equipment Modifiers for DME Services.

Common Modifiers for DME

In addition to an appropriate HCPCS code for the DME item, many HCPCS codes require a modifier. The modifiers are used to provide more information about the item. For example, the modifier may tell HMSA that an item is new, used, or rented on a capped basis. For capped rentals, modifiers distinguish which month’s rental is being billed. If these modifiers are used incorrectly or missing, the claim may be denied. To expedite the processing of your claims, please indicate the first-month rental by including the appropriate modifier code, and bill your claims in sequential order.

Inexpensive or Routinely Purchased DME

Inexpensive DME-This category is defined as equipment whose purchase price does not exceed $150. Routinely Purchased-This category consists of equipment that is purchased at least 75% of the time. Payment for this type of equipment is for rental or lump-sum purchase.  The total payment may not exceed the actual charge or the fee for purchase. Common modifiers used in this category are:

  • RR Rental
  • NU Purchase of new equipment
  • UE Purchase of used equipment

Modifiers RR, NU, and UE should be used for the following categories:

  • Inexpensive or Routinely Purchased (IRP)  Item
  • Capped Rental item
  • Items Requiring Frequent and Substantial Servicing
  • Oxygen Equipment (not contents)

Items Requiring Frequent and Substantial Servicing

Equipment in this category is paid on a rental basis only. Payment is based on the monthly fee schedule amount until the medical necessity ends.  No payment is made for the purchase of equipment, maintenance, and servicing or for the replacement of items.

  • Use the RR (Rental) modifier for items in this category.

Capped Rental Items

Items in this category are provided on a rental basis; therefore, RR is one of the modifiers appropriate for these items. There is an exception to the rental basis.  For electric wheelchairs, suppliers must give beneficiaries the option of purchasing them at the time the supplier first furnishes the item.  The modifiers used with these items are:

  • BR Beneficiary has elected to rent
  • BP Beneficiary has elected to purchase

Modifiers used for capped rental items are:

  • KH First rental month
  • KI Second and third rental months
  • KJ Fourth to thirteenth rental months

Replacement and Repair

RA – Replacement of a DME item due to loss, irreparable damage, or theft. This is used on the first-month rental claim for a replacement item.

RB – Replacement of a part of DME as part of a repair

KX Modifier – Documentation on File

KX – The KX modifier should be added to the code to indicate that specific required documentation is on file to support the medical necessity of the item. The KX modifier is allowed for these categories: AFO/KAFO; Cervical traction unit; Commodes; CPAP; External infusion pumps (except E0784); Hospital Beds; Manual wheelchair bases (except K0004, K0005, K0009); Nebulizers; Orthopedic footwear; Patient lifts; Pre-fabricated knee orthoses; Pressure-reducing support surfaces; Walkers; Wheelchair options/accessories (except E1399, K0108); Wheelchair seating (except E1399, K0108).

Oxygen and Oxygen Equipment

For stationary and portable oxygen equipment furnished on or after January 1, 2006, a 36-month cap applies on monthly payments. Contractors began the 36-month count on January 1, 2006, for beneficiaries that were receiving oxygen therapy prior to January 1, 2006.  Months prior to January 1, 2006, are not included in the 36-month count.

On the first day after the 36th month anniversary for which payment has been made, the supplier must transfer the title for the stationary and/or portable oxygen equipment to the beneficiary.  On that same day, the title for the equipment is transferred to the patient and monthly payments can begin to be made for oxygen contents used with patient-owned gaseous and liquid oxygen equipment. Modifiers appropriate for oxygen and oxygen equipment are:

  • RR Rental
  • QE Use if the prescribed amount of oxygen is less than 1 LPM
  • QF Use if the prescribed amount of oxygen exceeds 4 LPM and portable oxygen is prescribed
  • QG Use if the prescribed amount of oxygen is greater than 4 LPM
  • QH Use if an oxygen-conserving device is being used with an oxygen delivery system

Right and Left Modifiers

RT – Right

LT – Left

 RT and LT modifiers should be used for the theses categories: AFO/KAFO; External east prosthesis; Eye prosthesis; Lower limb prosthesis; Orthopedic footwear; Therapeutic shoes for persons with diabetes. Wheelchair options/accessories

Used with complex power wheelchairs only:

  • BP – Member has elected to purchase
  • BR – Member has elected to rent

 Note: Modifiers are not needed when billing for medical supplies (e.g., syringes, and ostomy bags).

99 Modifier

The KB modifier only applies to beneficiary-upgraded claims for DMEPOS where the supplier obtained an ABN and there are more than four modifiers on the claim line.  The 99 modifiers are used in any other situation when a claim line has more than four modifiers.

When a supplier uses more than four modifiers, the KB or 99 must be added as the fourth modifier to the HCPCS code.  On paper claims, the remainder of the modifiers must be listed in Item 19 with an indicator as to which line they apply to.  On electronic claims, the remainder should be entered in the NTE segment, the 2400 loop.

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FAQs

1. What are Durable Medical Equipment (DME) modifiers?

  • DME modifiers are codes used to provide additional information about the Durable Medical Equipment being billed. They specify details such as whether the equipment is new or used, whether it’s rented or purchased, and if it’s a replacement or repair. Modifiers help ensure accurate reimbursement by indicating the specific circumstances related to the equipment.

2. When should I use the KX modifier for DME?

  • The KX modifier should be used to indicate that specific required documentation is on file to support the medical necessity of the DME item. This includes categories like AFO/KAFO, cervical traction units, CPAP devices, hospital beds, and more. Ensure the documentation supports the need for the equipment as specified by payer requirements.

3. What are the common HCPCS codes for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) billing?

  • Common HCPCS codes for DME include:
    • J1050: Medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera) per 150 mg.
    • 96372: Therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic injection (specify substance or drug); subcutaneous or intramuscular.

4. What are the key modifiers used for billing Durable Medical Equipment (DME)?

  • Common modifiers include:
    • RR: Rental of equipment.
    • NU: Purchase of new equipment.
    • UE: Purchase of used equipment.
    • KH: First rental month.
    • KI: Second and third rental months.
    • KJ: Fourth to thirteenth rental months.
    • RA: Replacement due to loss, damage, or theft.
    • RB: Replacement part as part of a repair.
    • KX: Documentation on file to support medical necessity.

5. How should I document DME services for accurate billing?

  • Documentation should include:
    • Date of service
    • Patient information (name, date of birth, insurance details)
    • Provider information
    • Description of the equipment and its use
    • Dosage or quantity (if applicable)
    • Any additional services provided during the visit

6. What are the billing requirements for inexpensive or routinely purchased DME?

  • For inexpensive DME (costing ≤ $150) and routinely purchased items, use:
    • RR: For rental.
    • NU: For new equipment purchase.
    • UE: For used equipment purchase.
    • Ensure payment does not exceed the actual charge or fee for purchase.

7. What are the rules for billing capped rental items?

  • Use:
    • BR: If the beneficiary elects to rent.
    • BP: If the beneficiary elects to purchase.
    • Modifiers KH to KJ should be used for rental periods based on the month of rental.

8. How does billing work for oxygen and oxygen equipment?

  • For oxygen equipment:
    • RR: Rental of equipment.
    • QE: Prescribed oxygen <1 LPM.
    • QF: Prescribed oxygen >4 LPM with portable oxygen.
    • QG: Prescribed oxygen >4 LPM.
    • QH: Oxygen-conserving device.

9. What is the purpose of the 99 or KB modifier in DME billing?

  • KB: Used for beneficiary-upgraded claims with more than four modifiers.
  • 99: Used when a claim line has more than four modifiers but not related to beneficiary upgrades.
  • These modifiers help manage claims with multiple modifiers, ensuring accurate processing.

Reference:

Durable Medical Equipment Modifiers for DME Services

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