Modifier/Code List

CMS established a new modifier, AB, for audiologists to use that describes: audiology service furnished personally by an audiologist without a physician/NPP order for non-acute hearing assessment unrelated to disequilibrium, or hearing aids, or examinations for the purpose of prescribing, fitting, or changing hearing aids; service may be performed once every 12 months, per beneficiary. This will allow for better accuracy of reporting and reduce burden for audiologists.

For dates of service on or after 1/1/2023, audiologists may elect to use modifier AB, along with any of the 36 CPT codes on the finalized list below but only when the beneficiary has directly accessed the audiologist.

There will be times the audiologist will bill for these services, as appropriate, without modifier AB appended, when the beneficiary presents with an order from their treating physician or NPP.

Reminder: The AB modifier is not applicable to the remainder of the codes on the Audiology Services code list.

Audiology Code List

The 14 CPT codes for vestibular function tests – for which codes billed with the AB modifier will be rendered unpayable.

Related Content

• Audiology Services
• CY 2023 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule

Revised 4/9/2024