Modifier TC: Technical Component Billing
Modifier TC indicates the technical component of a diagnostic service. Learn how to bill it for imaging and diagnostics, and how it pairs with 26.
When to Append Modifier TC
Append to a procedure code when billing only for the technical component of a diagnostic or imaging service - the equipment, supplies, technician, and facility overhead - without the physician interpretation.
- No physician interpretation is included when modifier TC is billed.
- The facility bills for the test performance and the physician separately bills for the reading.
- Billing the global code (without TC or 26) when services are split.
- This causes overpayment and is a compliance risk if the physician is at a different facility than the imaging equipment.
Source: AMA CPT® Modifier Guidelines / CMS
Modifier TC in Detail
What does Modifier TC cover in detail?
Modifier TC identifies the technical component of a diagnostic service, the equipment, staff, and facility portion, billed separately from the professional interpretation, which uses modifier 26.
Split-component billing is most common in radiology billing and is covered in full in the billing modifiers reference.
Using Modifier TC Correctly
How do I use Modifier TC correctly?
When to Apply
Apply this modifier only when the clinical circumstances described in the modifier definition are present and documented in the medical record.
Procedure Code Compatibility
Confirm this modifier is applicable to the procedure codes being billed. Not all modifiers are valid with all CPT codes.
Documentation Support
Ensure the medical record supports the modifier's use. Auditors will review documentation to confirm the modifier is appropriate.
Payer Acceptance
Verify that the payer accepts this modifier and understand how it affects reimbursement before submitting the claim.
Modifier TC Reference
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Modifier | TC |
| Full Name | Technical Component |
| When to Use | Append to a procedure code when billing only for the technical component of a diagnostic or imaging service - the equipment, supplies, technician, and facility overhead - without the physician interpretation. |
| Paired With | Modifier 26 - the physician bills the same code with modifier 26 for the professional component (interpretation and report). TC + 26 = global service reimbursement. |
| Documentation Requirement | No physician interpretation is included when modifier TC is billed. The facility bills for the test performance and the physician separately bills for the reading. |
| Common Error | Billing the global code (without TC or 26) when services are split. This causes overpayment and is a compliance risk if the physician is at a different facility than the imaging equipment. |
Source: AMA CPT® Modifier Guidelines / CMS
Related Billing Resources
Modifier TC, Frequently Asked Questions
Append to a procedure code when billing only for the technical component of a diagnostic or imaging service - the equipment, supplies, technician, and facility overhead - without the physician interpretation.
Modifier 26 - the physician bills the same code with modifier 26 for the professional component (interpretation and report). TC + 26 = global service reimbursement.
No physician interpretation is included when modifier TC is billed. The facility bills for the test performance and the physician separately bills for the reading.
Billing the global code (without TC or 26) when services are split. This causes overpayment and is a compliance risk if the physician is at a different facility than the imaging equipment.
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