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Outpatient Facility Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Don't Forget the Modifiers While Coding For an Alcohol Monitoring Device

Published on Tue Dec 06, 2016 Print Friendly and PDF PDF

Question: How do we code for a rented Alcohol Monitoring Device? Are there any modifiers to append here?

Utah Subscriber

Answer: There is no specific HCPCS code for an Alcohol Monitoring Device. If you are a DME provider, you may report HCPCS code A9279 (Monitoring feature/device, stand-alone or integrated, any type, includes all accessories, components and electronics, not otherwise classified) for billing of an Alcohol Monitoring Device along with modifiers for renting this equipment. The modifiers are:

  1. BR (The beneficiary has been informed of the purchase and rental options and has elected to rent the item). Use BR only when the provider has discussed both options with beneficiary to either purchase the item or take the item on rent, and the beneficiary has elected to take the item on rent.
  2. NR (New when rented [use the NR modifier when DME which was new at the time of rental is subsequently purchased]). Use NR if the item was new when the beneficiary took it on rent but later purchased that item.
  3. RR (Rental [use the RR modifier when DME is to be rented]). Use RR when the provider has decided only to rent the item.

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