Which organization’s modifiers are used in conjunction with CPT® codes?

The American Medical Association (AMA) is the organization responsible for developing and maintaining the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) coding system, which includes modifiers that provide additional information about the services performed. Modifiers can indicate that a service was altered in some way without changing its definition or code.

These modifiers are integral to accurate coding and billing because they help healthcare providers convey specific details about the procedures they perform, such as whether a procedure was bilateral, repeated, or performed under specific circumstances. By using these modifiers appropriately, providers ensure the clarity of communication with insurers and improve the accuracy of reimbursement for the services provided.

In contrast, while HCPCS codes are also used for billing and coding in healthcare, they are not the source of the modifiers specifically associated with CPT® codes. Medicare and the CDC play important roles in healthcare coding and regulations, but they do not develop modifiers for CPT® codes directly. Therefore, the correct choice reflects the organization that directly impacts the coding and modification standards for procedures, which is the AMA.