HCPCS Modifier FY | Description & Billing Guidelines
Report HCPCS modifier FY to a radiology code to indicate that a digital image was created using cassette-based imaging, such as a phosphor imaging plate (IP), rather than conventional film.
1. What Is Modifier FY?
Providers are required to append HCPCS modifier FY to a radiology code when the imaging involves cassette-based imaging. Medicare payments for cassette-based imaging are reduced by 7% until 2023 and 10% after that.
The imaging plate is reusable and requires no chemicals or darkroom. Cassette–based imaging involves using an imaging plate with a phosphorus layer that captures and stores the image when exposed to X-ray or gamma radiation.
The plate is placed in a scanner, and the image is released when a laser beam is focused on the plate.
The image data is converted into electrical signals, digitized, and displayed on a monitor for the radiologist to read (interpret) the image.
The digitized image can be saved like any digital file, and the plate is erased to be reused.
2. Description
The FY modifier is officially described by HCPCS as follows: “X-ray is taken using computed radiography technology/cassette-based imaging.”
3. Billing Guidelines
Append the FY modifier to a radiology code to indicate that imaging was performed using a phosphor imaging plate or cassette-based imaging.
For any radiology service, be sure to determine if you need to append other modifiers to the radiology code, such as modifiers LT (left), RT (right), 50 (bilateral), 26 (professional component), or TC (technical component).
The circumstances of each encounter will dictate appropriate modifier usage, along with each payer’s requirements. Be sure to check specific payer guidelines for acceptable modifiers.
Go back to the list with all HCPCS modifiers.
4. References
https://www.bwc.ohio.gov/provider/services/feelookup/feelookupdetails.asp
