Which modifier is used when the technical component of a service is separately billed?

The modifier that is utilized when the technical component of a service is separately billed is Modifier -TC. This modifier is specifically designed to indicate that the billed service represents only the technical portion of a diagnostic procedure, such as imaging or laboratory tests.

In medical billing, various services may have both a professional component, which pertains to the interpretation or report of the results, and a technical component, which involves the actual equipment, personnel, and physical space required to perform the test. When billing, using Modifier -TC clearly delineates that the claim is for the technical aspect only, allowing for accurate reimbursement that reflects the nature of the service rendered.

For example, if a patient undergoes an X-ray, the radiology practice may bill for both the technical component related to performing the X-ray and the professional component related to interpreting the results. If only the technical component is submitted for payment, applying Modifier -TC signals to payers that the claim is exclusively for that part of the service.

The other modifiers have different purposes: Modifier -25 indicates a significant and separately identifiable E/M service performed on the same day as another procedure, Modifier -51 is used to report multiple procedures during the same session, and Modifier -59 denotes a distinct procedural service that