When an imaging center or hospital performs an MRI, but sends the images to a teleradiology group for the actual interpretation, the facility must bill using Modifier TC.
What is Modifier TC?
Modifier TC stands for Technical Component. It covers the immense cost of owning the radiology equipment, maintaining it, employing the radiology technicians, and the electricity required to run it.
When the facility bills the code with Modifier TC, and the outside radiologist bills the code with Modifier 26, Medicare combines them to equal 100% of the global fee.
Billing Contrast Materials
When billing the Technical Component of a contrast-enhanced study, the facility is also responsible for billing the HCPCS codes for the actual contrast dye used (e.g., Q9967 for low osmolar contrast).
NCCI Edits and Global Billing
If your practice owns the machine AND your doctor reads the scan, you bill the code Globally (meaning you do not use Modifier 26 or TC at all).