Cigna’s modifier 25 policy has sparked widespread concern among the American Medical Association (AMA) and over 100 other healthcare organizations. This policy, requiring the submission of office notes alongside certain claims, is seen as an unnecessary and burdensome process that could lead to delays in patient care. The AMA and other groups have vehemently requested Cigna to retract this policy, emphasizing its detrimental impact on the administrative efficiency and the provision of timely healthcare services.

The essence of modifier 25 allows for the billing of distinct services performed on the same day, supporting the delivery of unscheduled, medically necessary care. This facilitates prompt diagnosis and treatment, which is crucial for high-value, patient-centric care. However, Cigna’s policy, by demanding extensive documentation, potentially discourages healthcare professionals from offering unscheduled services, possibly compelling patients to endure multiple visits and bear additional costs.

Furthermore, the policy’s requirement for clinical documentation for all claims involving an E/M service reported with modifier 25 could inundate physicians with paperwork and overwhelm Cigna with medical records. This situation is exacerbated by the fact that Cigna has indicated only a fraction of the documentation submitted would undergo review, highlighting the inefficiency and administrative waste fostered by this policy.

Cigna’s approach to enforcing this policy, which includes the use of fax and an insecure email address for the submission of notes, raises significant concerns regarding privacy and compliance with health information protection standards. These issues, coupled with the existing challenges of clinician burnout, workforce shortages, and the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, make Cigna’s modifier 25 policy particularly ill-timed and counterproductive to the efforts of healthcare professionals striving to deliver quality care.

A collaborative, educational initiative focused on the correct use of modifier 25, as suggested by the AMA and other organizations, represents a more constructive and supportive approach. Such an initiative would not only address Cigna’s concerns but also ensure that healthcare professionals are equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to deliver efficient and patient-focused care.

Source: www.ama-assn.org