What is the difference between modifier -GT, -GQ, and -95 in telehealth?

• A. -95 Denotes real-time synchronous telemedicine; -GT Is a payer-specific indicator of real-time telemedicine; -GQ Denotes store-and-forward.
• B. -GT Denotes real-time synchronous telemedicine; -GQ Denotes store-and-forward; -95 Denotes store-and-forward.
• C. -95 Denotes store-and-forward; -GT Denotes real-time telemedicine; -GQ Denotes payer-specific telemedicine.
• D. -GQ Denotes real-time telemedicine; -GT Denotes store-and-forward; -95 Denotes real-time telemedicine.

Answer: (A)

In telehealth coding, modifiers tell how the service was delivered. Real-time, interactive telemedicine (live, synchronous) is identified by the modifier that signals real-time delivery. The modifier you attach to the CPT/HCPCS code communicates that the encounter occurred via live telecommunication rather than in person.

• The modifier for real-time telemedicine is -95. It shows the service was provided in real time through interactive audio and video, meaning the patient and clinician interacted during the session.

• The -GT modifier serves as a payer-specific indicator of real-time telemedicine. Some payers require this modifier to denote that the service was delivered via telemedicine using interactive telecommunications, and its use depends on the payer’s policy.

• The -GQ modifier denotes store-and-forward telemedicine, which is asynchronous. This is used when data (such as images or tests) are sent to a remote clinician for later review rather than during a live encounter.

So the best-matched mapping is: -95 for real-time synchronous telemedicine; -GT as a payer-specific indicator of real-time telemedicine; -GQ for store-and-forward. Always check the specific payer guidelines, since requirements can vary.