E/M Services: CCI Bundling Denials

• M80: Not covered when performed during the same session/date as a previously processed service for the patient
• CO-B15: Payment adjusted because this procedure/service requires that a qualifying service/procedure be received and covered. The qualifying other service/procedure has not been received/adjudicated.

• Check CCI edits prior to claim submission; edits are updated quarterly. CCI edits are available on the CMS website.
• For specific information on modifiers that may be used to denote exceptions to CCI (including CPT modifiers 24, 25, 59, 76 and 91), refer to the Palmetto GBA Modifier Lookup tool located on our home page under Self Service Tools 

Is the E/M a significant, separately identifiable service?
If the answer is no, the service will not be reimbursed separately. If the answer is yes, submit CPT modifier 25;

Is the CCI indicator '0'?
These code pairs will not be reimbursed if submitted for the same date of service. Exceptions to CCI edits cannot be made for code combinations with an indicator of '0'.

Is the code indicator '1'?
Submit the appropriate modifier to show the service should be separate. Documentation is required in the patient's medical record. Exceptions to CCI edits can be made for code combinations with an indicator of '1'. Examples of separate, distinct services include situations in which the E/M visit was performed at a different patient encounter from the procedure with which it is bundled.