New modifiers – XE, XP, XS and XU

CMS established four new Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) modifiers defined as subsets of the 59 modifier. Effective Jan. 1, 2015, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will accept the new modifiers: XE, XP, XS and XU. They are expecting CMS to publish additional guidance on selective editing of these new modifiers, along with any restrictions for reporting modifier 59. At that time, they will publish an update regarding BCBSM editing of these modifiers. Until modifier 59 is given additional restrictions for its use, they will continue to edit -59 as it does today; along with modifiers XE, XP, XS and XU.