What modifier should be appended when an injection is given during an E/M service?

When an injection is provided during an Evaluation and Management (E/M) service, the appropriate modifier to append is -25. This modifier indicates that a significant, separately identifiable E/M service was performed on the same day as the injection.

In the context of coding, a significant E/M service means that the evaluation or management involved a medical decision-making process that is distinct from the procedure performed, such as an injection. By using modifier -25, the coder acknowledges that the E/M service being billed is separate from the injection and that it warranted its own reimbursement.

Understanding that modifier -25 clarifies the situation for billing purposes is essential. It allows the healthcare provider to receive proper compensation for both the E/M service and the procedure performed, which in this case is the injection. Using the correct modifier ensures compliance with billing regulations and correct reimbursement by payers.

Other modifiers listed may serve different purposes, but they are not appropriate for indicating an injection given during an E/M service. For example, modifier -32 indicates a mandated service, -77 denotes a repeat procedure by a different provider, and -99 is used for multiple modifiers. These do not apply to the situation of an injection provided concurrently with an E/M service.