What do ABN modifiers indicate?

ABN modifiers, or Advanced Beneficiary Notice modifiers, specifically indicate whether services provided to a Medicare beneficiary are considered medically necessary. When a healthcare provider believes that a service may not be covered by Medicare, they can issue an ABN to the patient to inform them about the potential for non-coverage. This notice allows patients to make informed decisions about their care and whether they want to proceed with the service, understanding that they may have to pay for it out-of-pocket if Medicare does not cover it.

The purpose of ABN modifiers is to communicate the Medicare guidelines regarding medical necessity, ensuring that beneficiaries are aware of their financial responsibilities prior to receiving services that may not be covered by Medicare. This is crucial for both patient transparency and provider compliance with Medicare regulations.