What modifier should be used for a physical status of 3?

The appropriate modifier for a physical status of 3 is P3. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification system is used to assess patients prior to anesthesia administration, reflecting their overall health and any potential risks.

A P3 designation indicates that the patient has a serious systemic disease that may impact their anesthesia management. It is essential for anesthesiologists to take this classification into account to ensure patient safety and to help inform the level of risk associated with the anesthesia.

The other modifiers, such as P1, P2, and P4, represent different levels of physical status: P1 indicates a healthy patient, P2 suggests a patient with a mild systemic disease, and P4 refers to a patient with severe systemic disease that is a constant threat to life. Thus, knowing the precise classification of P3 helps medical professionals accurately evaluate a patient's condition before proceeding with anesthetic care.