In simple words: The letters "PM" are added to a medical code when a healthcare provider visits a patient after they have died, but on the same day of their death. This helps separate services provided before and after the time of death.

Modifier PM identifies visits that occur after the death of a patient and on the same day as the patient’s death, from visits occurring before death. Providers append the PM modifier for post mortem visits, on the date of death, regardless of the patient’s level of care or site of service. The date of death is the date of death reported on the death certificate. Hospice providers are to report hospice visits that occur before death separately from those that occur after death. Do not report post mortem visits occurring on a date subsequent to the date of death, due to system limitations with reporting services after the date of death.

Example 1: A patient passes away at 11 PM. The hospice nurse arrives at 9 PM and stays with the family until 12 AM. The visit from 9 PM to 11 PM is coded without the PM modifier, while the visit from 11 PM to 12 AM uses the PM modifier., A patient dies at 2 PM. The hospice aide arrives at 3 PM to provide post-mortem care. The aide's visit is coded with the PM modifier., A hospice social worker visits a patient at 10 AM. The patient dies later that day. The social worker returns at 6 PM to provide bereavement support to the family. The social worker's visit at 6 PM would be reported with the PM modifier.

Documentation should clearly indicate the time of death and the services provided before and after death. This includes the date and time of all visits, the type of service provided, and the duration of the visit.

** This information is current as of December 1, 2024, and may be subject to change.