Upcoming Changes: HIPAA Code Conversion for Local Modifier ZS for Apr. 2015

Effective July 1, 2015, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is discontinuing local modifier ZS. Modifier ZS designates both the professional (26) and technical (TC) components of a split-billable procedure on a claim or Treatment Authorization Request (TAR). When billing for both the professional and technical components, a modifier is neither required nor allowed. This change is to continue HIPAA compliance efforts and to align with CMS guidelines. Discontinuing local modifier ZS will affect claims and TARs for all split-billable procedures except for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) procedures.