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[Virginia] Claims for XXX procedures billed with an E&M service must use modifier 25

Anthem BCBS·VA·Provider Bulletin
Effective date
May 1, 2026
We identified it
May 3, 2026
Days to comply

Summary

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Virginia now requires modifier 25 on all claims for XXX procedures billed with an E&M service, effective May 1, 2026 for claim processing and July 1, 2026 for clinical review. Claims must document that the E&M service is significant and separately identifiable from the procedure work, or face denial or post-payment review.

Action Required

Action needed
By May 1, 2026: Billing team must update billing software to automatically append modifier 25 to all E&M claims billed with XXX procedures for Anthem Virginia Medicare Advantage plans. Providers must document in clinical notes that the E&M service is significant and separately identifiable, excluding procedure work and staff supervision. Update encounter forms and provider training materials to emphasize that documentation must support a distinct E&M beyond the usual procedure work. By July 1, 2026: Be prepared for claims to be subject to clinical review for medical necessity validation. Failure to include modifier 25 or insufficient documentation supporting a separate E&M service will result in claim denials or post-payment recoupment.