American Medical Association approves audio-only CPT modifier

The American Medical Association (AMA) CPT Editorial Panel recently approved a new Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) modifier for “Synchronous Telemedicine Service Rendered Via Telephone or Other Real-Time Interactive Audio-Only Telecommunications System.” Modifier 93 should be reported to describe real-time telemedicine services between a patient and a physician or other qualified health care professional rendered via “audio-only.” The modifier has been effective as of Jan. 1, 2022, and it will be published in the 2023 CPT Professional Manual.

A synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located away at a distant site. The totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient, during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service, must be of an amount and nature that is sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction.

AASM will continue to monitor changes to the CPT code set through volunteer and staff participation in CPT Editorial Panel meetings and activities. Learn more about the CPT process. Questions about the new modifier can be sent to coding@aasm.org.