Modifier 93 (Audio-Only Synchronous Telehealth)
CPT modifier indicating a synchronous telemedicine service rendered via audio-only technology.
1 min read · Last reviewed May 23, 2026
At a glance
- Category
- Telehealth
- Primary sources
- 2
- Workspace handoff
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Where this comes up
Telehealth coding, place-of-service, modifier (95, GT, GQ, FQ, FR), and post-PHE policy parity all converge here. State licensure rules and DEA controlled-substance prescribing rules add a second compliance layer most billers learn about only after the first denial.
Full definition
What it is in practice
The AMA introduced modifier 93 in 2022. CMS recognizes audio-only telehealth for certain services. Use 93 instead of 95 when video was not used.
How it shows up in your practice
Document why audio-only was used (patient's lack of video access, technology failure). Many payers limit which services are audio-only-eligible.
Sources
- CMS — Medicare Telehealth Services Listhttps://www.cms.gov/medicare/coverage/telehealth/list-services
- CMS — Modifiershttps://www.cms.gov/medicare/coding-billing/modifiers
Confirm audio-only telehealth rules in Ask D3
Open ask d3 →Related terms
- TelehealthModifier 95CPT modifier indicating a synchronous telemedicine service rendered via real-time interactive audio and video.
- TelehealthTelehealthDelivery of health care services through audio-video or audio-only technology when the patient is not at the same location as the practitioner.
- TelehealthAudio-Only TelehealthTelehealth services delivered via telephone or other audio-only technology, without a video component.
D3rx is a healthcare-billing and compliance research aid maintained by D3rx Inc. Articles are drafted by an LLM (Anthropic Claude) against primary HHS, OCR, CMS, eCFR, NIST, and state-regulator publications, and reviewed for restraint and source fidelity by the D3rx team.
Reviewer status: a named credentialed reviewer (CHC, CHPC, or healthcare attorney) is being engaged. Until that engagement is finalized, this page does not claim credentialed review.
Related across the archive
- GlossaryAudio-Only TelehealthTelehealth services delivered via telephone or other audio-only technology, without a video component.
- GlossaryModifier 95CPT modifier indicating a synchronous telemedicine service rendered via real-time interactive audio and video.
- GlossaryTelehealthDelivery of health care services through audio-video or audio-only technology when the patient is not at the same location as the practitioner.
- GlossaryDistant SiteUnder Medicare telehealth rules, the location of the practitioner delivering the telehealth service.
- GlossaryModifier GQ (Asynchronous Telehealth)HCPCS modifier indicating asynchronous (store-and-forward) telecommunications technology was used for the telehealth service.
- GlossaryModifier GT (Telehealth, archived)HCPCS modifier historically used to indicate interactive audio-and-video telehealth services; largely replaced by POS 02/10 + modifier 95 for many payers.
- GlossaryOnline Digital E/M (CPT 99421-99423)CPT codes for online digital evaluation and management services provided by a physician for an established patient over the patient portal or other secure platform.
- RegulationMLN: Medicare Telehealth ServicesReference to Medicare's telehealth policy: covered services list, originating and distant site rules, technology requirements, and the COVID-era flexibilities and their post-PHE status.
This glossary entry is a research aid for billing and compliance staff. It does not provide legal, medical, or financial advice and does not replace counsel. References cited link to primary sources at HHS, OCR, CMS, eCFR, NIST, and the relevant payer or industry body.