California Medicare Local Modifiers Eliminated – Reminder

On January 1, 2004, complying with HIPAA requirements, NHIC eliminated all local modifiers. NHIC lists the three modifiers with the highest volumes that it continues to receive. They are:

• Y1 (Reference Laboratory Charges Non-Ownership) — Northern California
• Y7 (Outside or Reference Laboratory Charges Ownership) — Northern California
• YB (Non-Purchased Services) — Southern California

Modifier – 90 should be used to replace modifiers Y1 and Y7. There is no replacement for modifier YB.