Which statement about modifiers with CPT codes is FALSE?

The statement that all modifiers will alter (increase or decrease) the reimbursement of the procedure is false. Modifiers are used in the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding system primarily to provide additional information about the service performed without changing the meaning of the code itself. While some modifiers do impact reimbursement by indicating that a procedure was altered in some way (for example, performing a service on a different site), others may not affect payment at all.

For instance, modifiers can be used for clarifying circumstances regarding the procedure or service, such as indicating that it was bilateral or that it was performed under certain conditions, which may or may not relate to reimbursement changes. Therefore, it is not accurate to state that all modifiers will necessarily result in an adjustment to the reimbursement for the procedure.

The other statements regarding modifiers are accurate. Some procedures may indeed require more than one modifier to provide clarity on multiple aspects of the service. Modifiers are always appended to the end of the CPT code, aligning with how they are used in coding practices. Additionally, not all procedures require a modifier; many procedures are straightforward and do not have any unique circumstances that need to be highlighted, thereby eliminating the need for a modifier.