Modifier TC (Technical Component) is a HCPCS Level II modifier used to report only the technical portion of a diagnostic test or procedure when the professional interpretation is billed separately.

Many diagnostic procedures, especially radiology, cardiology, pathology, and diagnostic testing, are considered global services because they include two separate components:

Professional Component (Modifier 26) – Physician supervision, interpretation, and written report.
Technical Component (Modifier TC) – Equipment, supplies, technicians, facilities, and the performance of the test.

When only the technical portion is provided, Modifier TC is appended to the CPT® code.

Modifier

Modifier Name

Technical Component

Plain English Explanation

Modifier TC tells the payer:

“Only the technical portion of this diagnostic service was performed. The professional interpretation and report will be billed separately or by another provider.”

Purpose of Modifier TC

Modifier TC is used to:

Bill only the technical portion of a diagnostic service.
Separate equipment and facility costs from physician interpretation.
Prevent duplicate payment for global services.
Ensure proper reimbursement when different entities perform the technical and professional portions.
Comply with Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) billing rules.

Understanding Modifier TC

The Technical Component includes:

Diagnostic equipment
Medical supplies
Imaging equipment
Laboratory instrumentation
Technologist services
Facility expenses
Practice expenses associated with performing the test

It does not include:

Physician interpretation
Written report
Medical decision-making
Diagnostic conclusions

Common Services That Use Modifier TC

Modifier TC is frequently reported with:

Diagnostic radiology
CT scans
MRI
Ultrasound
Mammography
Echocardiography
Pulmonary function testing
Electrocardiography (ECG/EKG)
Nuclear medicine
Certain pathology and laboratory diagnostic procedures

These services generally have a PC/TC Indicator of “1” in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Database (MPFSDB), meaning they may be split into professional and technical components.

When to Use Modifier TC

Modifier TC is appropriate when:

Only the technical portion of the procedure is provided.
Another physician interprets the results separately.
The CPT® code has a PC/TC Indicator that permits split billing.
The provider owns or furnishes the equipment and technical resources.
The payer allows separate technical component billing.

Common Examples

✔ Independent imaging center performs an MRI; radiologist reads it later.

✔ Physician office performs an ECG tracing; cardiologist interprets separately.

✔ Portable X-ray supplier performs the imaging only.

✔ Diagnostic facility performs pulmonary function testing; pulmonologist bills interpretation separately.

When NOT to Use Modifier TC

Do not use Modifier TC when:

The provider performs both the technical and professional components (bill the global service without Modifier TC).
The CPT® code is designated as professional component only (PC/TC Indicator = 2).
The CPT® code is technical component only (PC/TC Indicator = 3).
The CPT® code is global test only (PC/TC Indicator = 4).
The code represents physician services that cannot be split (PC/TC Indicator = 0).

Medicare Rules

Medicare states:

Modifier TC applies only to CPT®/HCPCS codes with an applicable PC/TC Indicator.
Global billing (no modifier) includes both professional and technical components.
Modifier TC pays only the practice expense and malpractice expense portions of the Relative Value Units (RVUs); physician work RVUs are excluded.
Technical component charges are often institutional charges and may not be separately billable by physicians in certain settings (such as inpatient hospitals).

Commercial Insurance Rules

Most commercial payers follow Medicare’s PC/TC methodology.

Many insurers:

Recognize Modifier TC.
Require appropriate modifier sequencing.
Verify ownership of equipment.
Require documentation supporting technical services.
Apply payer-specific rules for outpatient facilities and imaging centers.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation should include:

Physician order.
Date of service.
CPT® code.
Equipment used.
Technologist documentation.
Test completion record.
Facility information.
Medical necessity.
Patient identification.
Technical service documentation.

Real Billing Examples

Example 1 – Chest X-ray

An imaging center performs a two-view chest X-ray.

A radiologist at another practice interprets the images.

Billing

Imaging Center:

71046-TC

Radiologist:

71046-26

Example 2 – ECG

A primary care clinic performs an ECG tracing.

A cardiologist later interprets the tracing.

Clinic bills:

93000-TC (only if appropriate for the code and payer; note that CPT 93000 is typically a global code with separate component codes available, such as 93005 for tracing only and 93010 for interpretation only).

Example 3 – MRI

An outpatient imaging center performs an MRI.

An independent radiologist provides the interpretation.

The imaging center bills the technical component with Modifier TC.

Example 4 – Incorrect Use

A physician performs both the technical service and interpretation in the same office and bills:

72148-TC

This is incorrect because the physician provided the global service. The CPT® code should generally be billed without Modifier TC.

CMS-1500 Claim Example

Field	Example
CPT Code	71046-TC
Modifier	TC
Diagnosis Pointer	Appropriate ICD-10-CM diagnosis
Units	1

Billing Example

Provider	CPT® Code
Imaging Center	71046-TC
Radiologist	71046-26

Common Denial Reasons

Modifier TC used on an ineligible CPT® code.
Billing the global service and Modifier TC together.
Missing documentation.
Incorrect PC/TC indicator.
Duplicate billing with another provider.
Technical component billed in a setting where separate billing is not permitted.

How to Correct the Denial

Review the EOB or ERA.
Verify the CPT® code’s PC/TC Indicator.
Confirm only the technical component was provided.
Remove Modifier TC if the global service was performed.
Submit supporting documentation.
Appeal when documentation supports separate technical billing.

Coding Tips

Always verify the PC/TC Indicator in the MPFSDB.
Do not append Modifier TC to codes that are already technical-component-only.
Bill the global code without modifiers when the same provider performs both components.
Coordinate billing with the interpreting physician to avoid duplicate claims.
Review payer-specific technical component policies.

Modifier TC vs Modifier 26

Modifier	Purpose
TC	Technical component (equipment, staff, supplies, facility).
26	Professional component (physician interpretation and written report).

Modifier TC vs Global Service

Billing Type	Includes
Global Service	Professional + Technical Components
Modifier 26	Professional Component Only
Modifier TC	Technical Component Only

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Modifier TC?

Answer: Modifier TC identifies the technical component of a diagnostic service, including equipment, supplies, personnel, and facility costs.

Q2. What is included in the technical component?

Answer: The technical component includes the equipment, supplies, technicians, and facility resources needed to perform the diagnostic procedure. It does not include physician interpretation.

Q3. Can Modifier TC and Modifier 26 be billed together?

Answer: Yes. When different entities provide the technical and professional portions of a service, one may bill the CPT® code with Modifier TC while the other bills the same CPT® code with Modifier 26. Together, they represent the complete global service.

Q4. Can Modifier TC be appended to every diagnostic CPT® code?

Answer: No. Modifier TC may only be used for CPT®/HCPCS codes with an appropriate PC/TC Indicator that allows split billing.

AR Caller Tips

When following up on a denied Modifier TC claim:

Verify the MPFS PC/TC Indicator.
Confirm only the technical portion was billed.
Check whether another provider billed the global service.
Review facility billing requirements.
Document the payer representative’s name, reference number, and appeal instructions.

Interview Questions

Question 1

What is Modifier TC?

Answer: Modifier TC identifies the technical portion of a diagnostic service, including equipment, supplies, personnel, and facility expenses.

Question 2

What is the difference between Modifier 26 and Modifier TC?

Answer: Modifier 26 represents the physician’s interpretation and report, while Modifier TC represents the equipment, supplies, and technical performance of the procedure.

Question 3

When should Modifier TC not be reported?

Answer: Modifier TC should not be used when the provider performs both the professional and technical components or when the CPT® code does not permit split billing.

Practice Scenario

Scenario

An outpatient imaging center performs a CT scan of the abdomen. The images are electronically sent to an independent radiologist, who interprets the study and prepares the written report.

Question

How should each provider bill?

Answer

Imaging Center: Bills the applicable CT CPT® code with Modifier TC.
Radiologist: Bills the same CPT® code with Modifier 26.

This correctly separates the technical and professional portions of the global diagnostic service.

Related Modifiers

Modifier 26 – Professional Component
Modifier 59 – Distinct Procedural Service
Modifier 76 – Repeat Procedure by Same Physician
Modifier 77 – Repeat Procedure by Another Physician

Common Billing Mistakes

Appending Modifier TC to professional-component-only codes.
Billing the global service and Modifier TC simultaneously.
Failing to verify the PC/TC Indicator.
Duplicate billing between facility and physician.
Using Modifier TC for physician office visits or other non-splittable services.

Key Takeaways

Modifier TC identifies the technical component of eligible diagnostic services.
It covers equipment, personnel, supplies, and facility costs—but not physician interpretation.
Use Modifier TC only with CPT®/HCPCS codes that permit professional/technical component splitting.
Verify the PC/TC Indicator in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Database before billing.
Correct use of Modifier TC helps prevent duplicate billing and reimbursement denials.

References

CMS Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Database – PC/TC Indicators.
CMS Recovery Audit Program – Incorrect Coding of Modifiers TC and 26.
CGS Medicare – Billing the Professional and Technical Components.
Bridgespan Health – Modifier 26 and Modifier TC Reimbursement Policy.
AMA CPT® Professional Edition (licensed codebook).

Conclusion

Modifier TC is an essential HCPCS modifier used to report the technical component of eligible diagnostic procedures. It distinguishes the costs associated with equipment, personnel, and facilities from the physician’s professional interpretation. Proper use requires verifying the CPT® code’s PC/TC Indicator, understanding global service concepts, maintaining complete documentation, and following Medicare and payer-specific billing rules. Correct application of Modifier TC promotes compliant billing, accurate reimbursement, and reduced claim denials.

Educational Disclaimer

This article was prepared with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) for educational and informational purposes. It is based on publicly available CMS guidance, Medicare billing resources, and general medical billing principles. It is not an official publication of the American Medical Association (AMA), CMS, or any insurance payer. CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Always consult the latest AMA CPT® codebook, the CMS Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Database (MPFSDB), Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) guidance, National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) policies, and payer-specific billing policies before coding, billing, or submitting claims.