(2023) EA Modifier, EB Modifier & EC Modifier – Descriptions & Guidelines

CMS uses modifier EA, Modifier EB and Modifier EC to gather information to determine the prevalence and severity of anemia associated with cancer therapy, the clinical and hematologic responses to the institution of antianemia therapy, and the outcomes associated with various doses of antianemia therapy.

Modifier EA

What is Modifier EA? Erythropoetic stimulating agent (ESA) administered to treat anemia due to anticancer chemotherapy.

Modifier EB

What is Modifier EB?: Erythropoetic stimulating agent (ESA) administered to treat anemia due to anticancer radiotherapy.

Modifier EC

What is Modifier EC? Erythropoetic stimulating agent (ESA) administered to treat anemia due to anticancer radiotherapy or anticancer chemotherapy.

HCPCS Codes For Modifier EA, Modifier EB And Modifier EC

Modifier EA, Modifier EB and Modifier EC are valid only when submitted with the following HCPCS codes on non-ESRD claims for ESAs:

• J0881 Injection, darbepoetin alfa, 1 mcg (non-ESRD use)
• J0882 Injection, darbepoetin alfa, 1 mcg (for ESRD on dialysis)
• J0885 Injection, epoetin alfa, (for non-ESRD use), 1000 units
• J0886 Injection, epoetin alfa, 1000 units (for ESRD on dialysis)
• Q4081 Injection, epoetin alfa, 100 units (for ESRD on dialysis)

Please note:
ESAs administered for more than one of the indicated therapies are to be billed as separate line items; i.e., ESAs for chemo-induced anemia, (Modifier EA) are reported as separate line items (e.g., J0881EA); ESAs for radio-induced anemia (Modifier EB) are reported as separate line items (e.g., J0885EB); ESAs for non-chemo/radio induced anemia (Modifier EC) are reported as separate line items (e.g., J0881EC).

Only one of the three ESA modifiers may be reported at the line item level. Claims that are billed without the required modifiers will be returned as unprocessable.

ESA treatment duration for each course of chemotherapy includes the 8 weeks following the final dose of myelosuppressive chemotherapy in a chemotherapy regime.

Providers should continue to utilize modifier EJ to report subsequent administrations of ESAs.

Know more about:

Modifier EA Usage and Reimbursement

Modifier EB Usage and Reimbursement

Modifier EC Usage and Reimbursement

Reference:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2775132/

http://www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/100_199/0195.html