Showing Whether Rented or Purchased Modifier BP, BR, BU, KH, KI

Claims must specify whether equipment is rented or purchased. For purchased equipment, the itemized bill or claim must also indicate whether equipment is new or used. If the provider or supplier fails to indicate on an assigned claim whether equipment was new or used, the contractor processing the claims assumes purchased equipment is used and process the claim accordingly, i.e., they pay on the basis of the used purchase fee. If an unassigned purchase claim does not specify whether the item was new or used, contractors develop the claim with the supplier. The following table indicates the HCPCS modifiers which are added to the equipment code to indicate its status:


-BP         The beneficiary has been informed of the purchase and rental options and has elected to purchase the item

-BR         The beneficiary has been informed of the purchase and rental options and has elected to rent the item

-BU          The beneficiary has been informed of the purchase and rental options and after 30 days has not informed the supplier of                his/her decision

-KH         DMEPOS item, initial claim, purchase or first month rental

-KI            DMEPOS item, second or third month rental

-KJ           DMEPOS item, PEN pump or capped rental months four to fifteen

-NR         New when rented (use the 'NR' modifier when an item that was new at the time of rental is subsequently purchased)

-NU         New equipment

-RR        Rental (use the 'RR' modifier when DME is to be rented)

-UE         Used durable medical equipment


HHAs report the appropriate modifier using the ASC X12 837 institutional claim format, or on Form CMS-1450 following the appropriate HCPCS code. A/B MACs (HHH) accept 7 positions in this field for data entry purposes.

Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) and Remittance Advice (RA)

MSN 36.01:

Our records show that you were informed in writing, before receiving the service that Medicare would not pay. You are liable for this charge. If you do not agree with this statement, you may ask for a review. ASC X12 835, remittance advice remark code M38

MSN 36.02:

It appears that you did not know that we would not pay for this service so you are not liable. Do not pay your provider for this service. If you have paid your provider for this service, you should submit to this office three things 1) A copy of this notice, 2) Your provider’s bill, and 3) A receipt or proof that you have paid the bill. You must file your written request for payment within 6 months of the date of this notice. Future services of this type provided to you will be your responsibility. ASC X12 835 remittance advice remark code M25)

MSN 8.51:
You signed an Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN). You are responsible for the difference between the upgrade amount and the Medicare payment.

Use the following messages when denying claims due to invalid ABN upgrade information:

MSN 8.53:
This item or service was denied because the upgrade information was invalid.

MRN N108:
This item/service was denied because the upgrade information was invalid.
120.1 - Providing Upgrades of DMEPOS Without Any Extra Charge


Definitions of Modifiers that May be Associated with ABNs

GA - Waiver of Liability (expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary, ABN on file)

GZ - Item or Service not Reasonable and Necessary (expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary, no ABN on file)

GK - Reasonable and necessary item/service associated with GA or GZ modifier

CPT code E0747, E0748 with KF modifer

Osteogenesis Stimulators

E0747, E0748 and E0760 are Class III Devices that must be submitted with a KF modifier. The KF modifier indicates a FDA Class III Device.

Surgical Dressings

Modifiers A1 through A9 are used with surgical dressings to indicate the number of wounds. If modifier A9 (dressing for nine or more wounds) is used, information must be submitted in Item 19 on a paper claim, or the electronic equivalent, indicating the number of wounds.

Modifiers AU (item furnished in conjunction with a urological, ostomy or tracheostomy supply), AV (item furnished in conjunction with a prosthetic or orthotic device) and AW (item furnished in conjunction with a surgical dressing) are used when billing codes for tape, A4450 and A4452.

KO, KP, KQ Modifiers

KO Single drug unit dose formulation.
KP First drug of a multiple drug unit dose formulation.
KQ Second or subsequent drug of a multiple drug unit dose formulation.

When there is a single drug in a unit dose container, the KO modifier is added to the unit form code. When two or more drugs are combined and dispensed to the patient in the same unit dose container (except for code J7620, Albuterol, up to 2.5 mg and Ipratropium Bromide, up to 0.5 mg, non-compounded inhalation solution), each of the drugs is billed using its unit dose form code. The KP modifier is added to only one of the unit dose form codes and the KQ modifier is added to the other unit dose code(s). See the Nebulizer policy article for additional information.

RP modifier - Replacement and Repair and Prosthetics and Orthotics modifiers

Replacement and Repair

The RP modifier indicates replacement and repair.

Equipment the beneficiary owns may be replaced in cases of loss or irreparable damage without a physician's order. Claims involving replacement equipment necessitated because of wear or a change in the patient's condition must be supported by a current physician's order.

Repairs to equipment the beneficiary owns are covered when necessary to make the item serviceable. If the expense for repair exceeds the estimated expense of purchasing or renting another item for the remaining period of medical need, no payment can be made for the amount of the excess. Repairs of rented equipment are not covered.

Prosthetics and Orthotics

Many of the HCPCS codes in this category require the use of a K modifier. Reference the Lower Limb Prostheses policy for a listing of codes.
•    K0 Lower limb extremity prosthesis functional Level 0 - Does not have the ability or potential to ambulate or transfer safely with or without assistance and a prosthesis does not enhance their quality of life or mobility
•    K1 Lower extremity prosthesis functional Level 1 - Has the ability or potential to use a prosthesis for transfers or ambulation on level surfaces at fixed cadence. Typical of the limited and unlimited household ambulatory
•    K2 Lower extremity prosthesis functional Level 2 - Has the ability or potential for ambulation with the ability to traverse low level environmental barriers such as curbs, stairs, or uneven surfaces. Typical of the limited community ambulator
•    K3 Lower extremity prosthesis functional Level 3 - Has the ability or potential for ambulation with variable cadence. Typical of the community ambulator who has the ability to traverse most environmental barriers and may have vocational, therapeutic, or exercise activity that demands prosthetic utilization beyond simple locomotion
•    K4 Lower extremity prosthesis functional Level 4 - Has the ability or potential for prosthetic ambulation that exceeds basic ambulation skills, exhibiting high impact, stress, or energy levels. Typical of the prosthetic demands of the child, active adult, or athlete

Oxygen Equipment biling modifiers

Oxygen and Oxygen Equipment

For stationary and portable oxygen equipment furnished on or after January 1, 2006, a 36-month cap applies on monthly payments. For stationary and portable oxygen equipment and oxygen contents furnished prior to January 1, 2006, payments were made for the duration of use of the equipment when medically necessary.
Contractors began the 36-month count on January 1, 2006, for beneficiaries that were receiving oxygen therapy prior to January 1, 2006. Months prior to January 1, 2006, are not included in the 36-month count.
On the first day after the 36th month anniversary for which payment has been made, the supplier must transfer the title for the stationary and/or portable oxygen equipment to the beneficiary. On that same day, the title for the equipment is transferred to the patient and monthly payments can begin to be made for oxygen contents used with patient owned gaseous and liquid oxygen equipment.

Modifiers appropriate for oxygen and oxygen equipment are:
•    RR Rental
•    QE Use if the prescribed amount of oxygen is less than 1 LPM
•    QF Use if the prescribed amount of oxygen exceeds 4 LPM and portable oxygen is prescribed
•    QG Use if the prescribed amount of oxygen is greater than 4 LPM
•    QH Use if an oxygen conserving device is being used with an oxygen delivery system

Maintenance and Servicing

MS Maintenance and servicing.
Maintenance and servicing is covered for capped rental items prior to January 1, 2006. Payment will no longer be made for maintenance and servicing on capped rental items in which the first rental month occurs on or after January 1, 2006.

Maintenance and servicing payments will be made for oxygen equipment every six months, starting six months after the beneficiary owns the equipment. The payment will be paid in 15 minute intervals and shall not exceed 30 minutes.

DME billing modifiers - RR , NU , UE, BR, BP, K series modifier list

Modifiers for DME Services

Several DME categories and frequently used modifiers are listed below.
Inexpensive or Routinely Purchased DME

    * Inexpensive DME-This category is defined as equipment whose purchase price does not exceed $150.
    * Routinely Purchased-This category consists of equipment that is purchased at least 75% of the time.

Payment for this type of equipment is for rental or lump sum purchase. The total payment may not exceed the actual charge or the fee for a purchase.

Common modifiers used in this category are:

    * RR Rental
    * NU Purchase of new equipment
    * UE Purchase of used equipment

Items Requiring Frequent and Substantial Servicing

Equipment in this category is paid on a rental basis only. Payment is based on the monthly fee schedule amount until the medical necessity ends. No payment is made for the purchase of equipment, maintenance and servicing or for replacement of items.

Use the RR (Rental) modifier for items in this category.
Capped Rental Items

Items in this category are provided on a rental basis; therefore, RR is one of the modifiers appropriate with these items.

There is an exception to the rental basis. For electric wheelchairs, suppliers must give beneficiaries the option of purchasing at the time the supplier first furnishes the item. The modifiers used with these items are:

    * BR Beneficiary has elected to rent
    * BP Beneficiary has elected to purchase

Modifiers used for capped rental items are:

    * KH First rental month
    * KI Second and third rental months
    * KJ Fourth to thirteenth rental months

For capped rental items provided prior to January 1, 2006, suppliers must give beneficiaries the option to purchase their rental equipment during the tenth continuous rental month. Beneficiaries have one month from the date the supplier makes the offer to accept the option. If the beneficiary declines, rental payments continue until the 15th month. If the beneficiary accepts the purchase option, rental will continue until 13 continuous rental months have been paid. On the first day after 13 continuous months have been paid, the supplier must transfer the title of the equipment to the beneficiary.

Modifiers used for capped rental items prior to January 1, 2006 are:

    * BR Beneficiary has elected to rent
    * BP Beneficiary has elected to purchase
    * BU Beneficiary has not informed supplier of decision after 30 days

Beginning January 1, 2006, payment for capped rental items may not exceed a period of continuous use longer than 13 months. After 13 months of rental have been paid, the supplier must transfer the title of the equipment to the beneficiary.


The BR, BP and BU modifiers are not required on most capped rental items where the first rental period began on/after January 1, 2006. They are still required, however, on PEN pumps and electric wheelchairs regardless of the date of the first rental period.

KB and 99 Modifiers

KB and 99 Modifiers-More than Four Modifiers

KB Beneficiary requested upgrade for ABN, more than four modifiers identified on claim.
99 Modifier overflow.

The KB modifier only applies to beneficiary upgraded claims for DMEPOS where the supplier obtained an ABN and there are more than four modifiers on the claim line. The 99 modifier is used in any other situation when a claim line has more than four modifiers.

When a supplier uses more than four modifiers, the KB or 99 must be added as the fourth modifier to the HCPCS code. On paper claims, the remainder of the modifiers must be listed in Item 19 with an indicator as to which line they apply to. On electronic claims, the remainder should be entered in the NTE segment, the 2400 loop.

These are not all inclusive lists.

DME modifiers - GK, GL Modifiers-Upgrades

GK, GL Modifiers-Upgrades

GK Reasonable and necessary item ordered when a piece of equipment has been upgraded.
When billing for upgrades, suppliers must use two lines on the same claim. Line one contains the HCPCS code for the upgraded item the supplier actually provided to the beneficiary with the dollar amount of the upgraded item. If an ABN was obtained, the GA must be billed. If an ABN was not obtained, use the GZ modifier. Line two is billed with the HCPCS code for the reasonable and necessary item with modifier GK and for the full amount of that item.

Suppliers must also list the upgrade features in Item 19 of the CMS-1500 form or the electronic equivalent.

GL Item is a medically unnecessary upgrade provided instead of a standard item at no charge to the beneficiary and an ABN does not apply.

If a supplier furnishes an upgraded DMEPOS item but charges Medicare and the beneficiary for the non-upgraded item, the supplier must bill for the non-upgraded item rather than the item the supplier actually furnished. The claim is billed with the HCPCS code for the non-upgraded item with the charge of that item and modifier GL.

Item 19 of the CMS-1500 form, or the electronic equivalent, must contain the make and model of the item actually furnished and describe why it is an upgrade.

DME billing - GA, GZ, GY Modifiers

GA, GZ, GY Modifiers-ABN/Not Reasonable and Necessary/Statutorily Excluded

The GA modifier is submitted on claims when the supplier has an Advance Beneficiary Notice on file.
An ABN is a written notice a supplier gives to a Medicare beneficiary before items or services are furnished when the supplier believes that Medicare will not pay because there is a lack of medical necessity.

Keep in mind that not all items submitted with the GA modifier are denied as patient responsibility. Items must be denied based on medical necessity in order to receive a patient responsibility denial.
The GZ modifier is used to indicate suppliers expect Medicare will deny an item or service as not reasonable and necessary and they do not have an ABN on file.

The GY modifier is submitted when suppliers indicate an item or service is statutorily non-covered or is not a Medicare benefit.

Examples of items to use the GY modifier with are infusion drugs that are not administered through a durable infusion pump, personal comfort items and enteral nutrients administered orally. Also, many of the LCDs provide instructions on when to use the GY modifier.

Usage of KX MODIFIER - Documentation on file

KX Modifier-Documentation on File

Many policies require the KX modifier be added to the code to indicate specific required documentation is on file. Currently, the following policies address KX modifier usage:

•    Automatic External Defibrillators
•    Cervical Traction Devices
•    Commodes
•    Continuous Positive Airway Pressure System
•    Epoetin
•    External Infusion Pumps
•    Glucose Monitors
•    High Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation Devices
•    Home Dialysis Supplies and Equipment
•    Hospital Beds and Accessories
•    Manual Wheelchair Base
•    Nebulizers
•    Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Pumps
•    Oral Antiemetic Drugs (Replacement for Intravenous Antiemetics)
•    Orthopedic Footwear
•    Power Mobility Devices
•    Pressure Reducing Support Surfaces
•    Refractive Lenses
•    Respiratory Assist Devices
•    Speech Generating Devices
•    Therapeutic Shoes for Persons with Diabetes
•    Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators
•    Urological Supplies
•    Walkers
•    Wheelchair Options/Accessories
•    Wheelchair Seating

Right and Left Modifiers in DME billing - EY modifier

Right and Left Modifiers

The RT and LT modifiers are used in reference to many different policies. Consult these policies for the proper use of the RT and LT modifiers:

•    Ankle-Foot/Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthosis
•    External Breast Prosthesis
•    Eye Prosthesis
•    Facial Prosthesis
•    Lower Limb Prosthesis
•    Orthopedic Footwear
•    Refractive Lenses
•    Surgical Dressings
•    Therapeutic Shoes for Persons with Diabetes
•    Wheelchair Option/Accessories

EY Modifier-No Doctor's Order on File

The EY modifier indicates a supplier does not have a doctor's order for an item or service. A supplier must have an order from the treating physician before dispensing any DMEPOS item to a beneficiary.

Surgical dressing modifiers A1 -A9, AU & AV - CPT A4450, A4452

Surgical Dressings

Modifiers A1 through A9 are used with surgical dressings to indicate the number of wounds. If modifier A9 (dressing for nine or more wounds) is used, information must be submitted in Item 19 on a paper claim, or the electronic equivalent, indicating the number of wounds.

Modifiers AU (item furnished in conjunction with a urological, ostomy or tracheostomy supply), AV (item furnished in conjunction with a prosthetic or orthotic device) and AW (item furnished in conjunction with a surgical dressing) are used when billing codes for tape, A4450 and A4452.

KO, KP, KQ Modifiers
KO Single drug unit dose formulation.
KP First drug of a multiple drug unit dose formulation.
KQ Second or subsequent drug of a multiple drug unit dose formulation.

When there is a single drug in a unit dose container, the KO modifier is added to the unit form code. When two or more drugs are combined and dispensed to the patient in the same unit dose container (except for code J7620, Albuterol, up to 2.5 mg and Ipratropium Bromide, up to 0.5 mg, non-compounded inhalation solution), each of the drugs is billed using its unit dose form code. The KP modifier is added to only one of the unit dose form codes and the KQ modifier is added to the other unit dose code(s). See the Nebulizer policy article for additional information.

Prosthetics and Orthotics modifiers K0, K1, K2, K3,K4 and KF

Prosthetics and Orthotics

Many of the HCPCS codes in this category require the use of a K modifier. Reference the Lower Limb Prostheses policy for a listing of codes.

•    K0 Lower limb extremity prosthesis functional Level 0 - Does not have the ability or potential to ambulate or transfer safely with or without assistance and a prosthesis does not enhance their quality of life or mobility
•    K1 Lower extremity prosthesis functional Level 1 - Has the ability or potential to use a prosthesis for transfers or ambulation on level surfaces at fixed cadence. Typical of the limited and unlimited household ambulatory
•    K2 Lower extremity prosthesis functional Level 2 - Has the ability or potential for ambulation with the ability to traverse low level environmental barriers such as curbs, stairs, or uneven surfaces. Typical of the limited community ambulator
•    K3 Lower extremity prosthesis functional Level 3 - Has the ability or potential for ambulation with variable cadence. Typical of the community ambulator who has the ability to traverse most environmental barriers and may have vocational, therapeutic, or exercise activity that demands prosthetic utilization beyond simple locomotion
•    K4 Lower extremity prosthesis functional Level 4 - Has the ability or potential for prosthetic ambulation that exceeds basic ambulation skills, exhibiting high impact, stress, or energy levels. Typical of the prosthetic demands of the child, active adult, or athlete




Osteogenesis Stimulators

E0747, E0748 and E0760 are Class III Devices that must be submitted with a KF modifier. The KF modifier indicates a FDA Class III Device.

MS & RP modifier in DME billing

Maintenance and Servicing

MS Maintenance and servicing.

Maintenance and servicing is covered for capped rental items prior to January 1, 2006. Payment will no longer be made for maintenance and servicing on capped rental items in which the first rental month occurs on or after January 1, 2006.

Maintenance and servicing payments will be made for oxygen equipment every six months, starting six months after the beneficiary owns the equipment. The payment will be paid in 15 minute intervals and shall not exceed 30 minutes.



Replacement and Repair

The RP modifier indicates replacement and repair.

Equipment the beneficiary owns may be replaced in cases of loss or irreparable damage without a physician's order. Claims involving replacement equipment necessitated because of wear or a change in the patient's condition must be supported by a current physician's order.

Repairs to equipment the beneficiary owns are covered when necessary to make the item serviceable. If the expense for repair exceeds the estimated expense of purchasing or renting another item for the remaining period of medical need, no payment can be made for the amount of the excess. Repairs of rented equipment are not covered.

capped rental item and modifier need to use - KH, KI AND KJ

Capped Rental Items

Items in this category are provided on a rental basis; therefore, RR is one of the modifiers appropriate with these items.
There is an exception to the rental basis. For electric wheelchairs, suppliers must give beneficiaries the option of purchasing at the time the supplier first furnishes the item. The modifiers used with these items are:
•    BR Beneficiary has elected to rent
•    BP Beneficiary has elected to purchase

Modifiers used for capped rental items are:

•    KH First rental month
•    KI Second and third rental months
•    KJ Fourth to thirteenth rental months

For capped rental items provided prior to January 1, 2006, suppliers must give beneficiaries the option to purchase their rental equipment during the tenth continuous rental month. Beneficiaries have one month from the date the supplier makes the offer to accept the option. If the beneficiary declines, rental payments continue until the 15th month. If the beneficiary accepts the purchase option, rental will continue until 13 continuous rental months have been paid. On the first day after 13 continuous months have been paid, the supplier must transfer the title of the equipment to the beneficiary.

Modifiers used for capped rental items prior to January 1, 2006 are:

•    BR Beneficiary has elected to rent
•    BP Beneficiary has elected to purchase
•    BU Beneficiary has not informed supplier of decision after 30 days
Beginning January 1, 2006, payment for capped rental items may not exceed a period of continuous use longer than 13 months. After 13 months of rental have been paid, the supplier must transfer the title of the equipment to the beneficiary.

The BR, BP and BU modifiers are not required on most capped rental items where the first rental period began on/after January 1, 2006. They are still required, however, on PEN pumps and electric wheelchairs regardless of the date of the first rental period.

DME modifiers - RR, NU & UE

Modifiers for DME Services

Several DME categories and frequently used modifiers are listed below.
Inexpensive or Routinely Purchased DME

•    Inexpensive DME-This category is defined as equipment whose purchase price does not exceed $150.
•    Routinely Purchased-This category consists of equipment that is purchased at least 75% of the time.

Payment for this type of equipment is for rental or lump sum purchase. The total payment may not exceed the actual charge or the fee for a purchase.

Common modifiers used in this category are:
•    RR Rental
•    NU Purchase of new equipment
•    UE Purchase of used equipment

Items Requiring Frequent and Substantial Servicing
Equipment in this category is paid on a rental basis only. Payment is based on the monthly fee schedule amount until the medical necessity ends. No payment is made for the purchase of equipment, maintenance and servicing or for replacement of items.
Use the RR (Rental) modifier for items in this category.