Modifier 27-Multiple Outpatient Hospital E/M Encounters on the Same Date

Modifier 27 is used to identify multiple outpatient hospital evaluation and management encounters occurring on the same date of service.

What is Modifier 27?

Modifier 27 indicates that a patient received multiple separate outpatient hospital E/M encounters on the same date of service. It helps distinguish separate encounters that might otherwise appear to be duplicate services.

When to Use Modifier 27

• Multiple outpatient hospital E/M encounters occur on the same day
• The encounters are separate and distinct
• Each encounter is supported by documentation
• Facility billing requirements allow the modifier

Billing Example

A patient receives an outpatient hospital E/M service in one department and later has a separate encounter in another outpatient department on the same date. Modifier 27 may be used when billing requirements are met.

Documentation Tips

• Document each encounter separately
• Record the reason for each visit
• Clearly distinguish the services provided
• Verify facility and payer-specific billing requirements

Common Denial Reasons

• Separate encounters are not clearly documented
• Services appear duplicative
• Modifier is reported on an inappropriate claim
• Documentation does not support multiple encounters

Related Modifiers

Modifier 24

Modifier 57

Modifier 25