Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Question: I noticed in a MLN Matters article that we're getting new advance beneficiary notice (ABN) modifiers. What are they, and when do we start using them? California Subscriber Answer: CMS will update the ABN modifiers effective April 1, according to MLN Matters article MM6563, dated Oct. 29. The ABN descriptors will read as follows: • Modifier GA -- Revised to read, "Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy." You'll use this when a required ABN was issued. • Modifier GX -- New modifier defined as "Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy." You'll append this modifier to claims when you've issued a voluntary ABN. Currently, you can append modifier GA when you issue the ABN for either required or voluntary reasons. Keep in mind: When you know an item is statutorily non-covered, you don't have to issue an ABN and submit the claim to your carrier with [...]