What modifier signifies a medically directed service by an anesthesiologist?

The modifier that signifies a medically directed service by an anesthesiologist is QX. This modifier indicates that an anesthesiologist is directing the anesthesia service, and it is essential for billing and coding in situations where the anesthesiologist is supervising multiple anesthesia providers.

In practice, when an anesthesiologist utilizes this modifier, it highlights the level of involvement they have in the patient's care while still overseeing more than one anesthesia provider simultaneously. This is a specific practice within anesthesia services where the anesthesiologist may manage patient care indirectly, resulting in necessary documentation for payment and regulatory compliance.

The other modifiers listed pertain to different scenarios in anesthesia services. For instance, QY indicates that the anesthesiologist is personally performing the anesthesia service with a single patient, while QZ signifies that the anesthesia service is being performed by an anesthesia provider with no medical direction from an anesthesiologist. Each modifier helps define the level of involvement and responsibility of the anesthesia professional in patient care, making it crucial to select the correct one based on the circumstances of the service provided.