How do you know when E/M is 'inherent'? Find out here To rightfully code an E/M-25, you must prove that the E/M is a separate service and is not an inherent component of a same-day procedure. Follow this advice to find out when to report an E/M with modifier 25, and when to leave the E/M off the claim. Include Evidence of Separate E/M in Notes The basics: All procedure codes have an inherent E/M component, and the physician must go beyond that to justify a separate E/M. In addition, the E/M service must also meet medical-necessity criteria. Example: An established patient with dry eye syndrome reports to the ophthalmologist for a scheduled punctal plug insertion. After discussing the procedure with the patient and answering a few questions, the ophthalmologist inserts a collagen plug into the patient's right lower puncta. In this instance, the ophthalmologist does not perform a significant, separate E/M. The patient reported with a set appointment for the plug insertion and already had a diagnosis. On the claim, report the following: • 68761 (Closure of the lacrimal punctum; by plug, each) for the insertion • modifier E4 (Lower right, eyelid) linked to 68761 to show the location of the plug insertion • 375.15 (Tear film insufficiency, unspecified) linked to 68761 to represent the patient's condition. Now check out this example: In this instance, the ophthalmologist performed an E/M prior to performing the procedure. On the claim, you should report the following: • 65205 (Removal of foreign body, external eye; conjunctival superficial) for the removal • 930.1 (Foreign body in conjunctival sac) linked to 65205 to represent the patient's condition • 99212 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient, which requires at least two of these three key components: a problem-focused history; a problem-focused examination; and straightforward medical decision- making) for the E/M service • modifier 25 linked to 99212 to show that the E/M and plug insertion were separate services • 379.91 (Pain in or around eye) linked to 99212 to represent the patient's eye pain. You Could Have Same Dx for E/M, Procedure As evidenced in the above example, you don't need a diagnosis code for a separate problem to code an E/M service with modifier 25, says Leslie Bowers, coder at Bay Ocean Medical. Sometimes, the circumstances justify a procedure and a separate E/M for the same complaint. A good rule for modifier 25 claims is "if an E/M service was necessary for the physician to make a medical decision to perform the procedure -- and he had to take a history, perform an exam and come to a medical decision to perform the procedure -- then a separate E/M can be charged," Brink says. But when the doctor asks a few incidental questions of the patient prior to the procedure, as is the case with most encounters, you should report the procedure code only.