The professional component of a charge covers the cost of the physician’s professional services only. The technical component of a charge addresses the use of equipment, facilities, non-physician medical staff, supplies, etc.

What is a technical component?

The technical component of a service includes the provision of all equipment, supplies, personnel, and costs related to the performance of the exam. To claim only the technical portion of a service, append modifier TC, technical component, to the appropriate CPT code.

When a service having both a technical and professional component is performed in the hospital which modifier would be used by the physician?

modifiers 26
When Medicare procedures have both professional and technical components, modifiers 26 and TC may come into play. You should append modifier 26, “professional component” to a procedure code when you perform only the professional component of the service.

What is the professional component of pathology services?

Professional component services include, among other things, selecting test methods, overseeing quality assurance and quality control measures, supervising laboratory personnel, reviewing abnormal or unexpected results, and being available to discuss the medical significance of laboratory results with clinicians.

How do you bill a technical component?

Under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier TC to the usual procedure number. Technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians. However, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier TC.

What is a 32 modifier?

Modifier 32 indicates mandated services. This modifier is not appropriate when billing Medicare for federally mandated visits for patients in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) or Nursing Facility (NF).