-TC

Modifier -TC: Technical component (component billing)

Quick reference

• Definition: Modifier -TC indicates you’re billing only the technical component of a service that has separate professional and technical parts.
• Pairs with: Modifier -26 identifies the professional component for codes that have a professional/technical split.
• “Global” billing: If both components are furnished by the same entity (and you’re billing globally), submit the code without -26 or -TC.

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Medicare PC/TC indicator (the “is -TC allowed?” switch)

CMS uses the MPFS Professional Component/Technical Component (PC/TC) indicator to show whether a CPT/HCPCS code can be split into professional vs technical components.

Common PC/TC indicator meanings (from CMS MPFS indicator definitions):

• Indicator 0 (physician service): PC/TC concept does not apply; -26 and -TC cannot be used.
• Indicator 1 (diagnostic tests / radiology services): Code generally has both professional and technical components; -26 and -TC can be used.
• Indicator 2 (professional component only code): Standalone “PC-only” code; -26 and -TC cannot be used.
• Indicator 3 (technical component only code): Standalone “TC-only” code; -26 and -TC cannot be used.
• Indicator 4 (global test only code): Standalone “global-only” code; -26 and -TC cannot be used.
• Indicator 6 (lab physician interpretation codes): CMS notes modifier TC cannot be used for these.
• Indicator 9: Concept of professional/technical component does not apply.

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What -TC includes (RVU/payment mechanics)

For PC/TC indicator 1 codes, CMS explains that:

• RVUs reported with -26 include physician work + practice expense + malpractice.
• RVUs reported with -TC include practice expense + malpractice only (no work RVUs).
• RVUs reported without a modifier equal the sum of the RVUs for both professional and technical components.

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Most common uses (real workflow)

Use -TC when your entity furnished the equipment/staff/technical performance of a split-billable diagnostic service, but did not provide the physician interpretation/report.

Typical examples by setting (keep it code-driven, not specialty-driven):

• Facility performs test; outside physician interprets: Facility bills the CPT with -TC and the interpreting physician bills the appropriate professional component (often the same code with -26, depending on the code family/PC-TC indicator).
• Independent diagnostic testing arrangement: The entity that only furnishes the technical portion bills -TC when the code’s PC/TC indicator allows it.

Ophthalmology / ENT “where you’ll see it” (conceptual, code-specific):

• Many diagnostic tests and imaging services fall under the CMS PC/TC split concept (especially indicator 1), so -TC questions often come up around who performed the test vs who interpreted it.

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When NOT to use -TC (high-denial scenarios)

Do not append -TC when the MPFS PC/TC indicator shows the concept doesn’t apply, or when the code is already PC-only/TC-only/global-only. Do not append -TC for indicator 0 physician-service codes (visits/procedures) because CMS states -26/-TC are not valid in that scenario.

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Documentation checklist (what to confirm before billing -TC)

• The medical record supports that your billing entity provided the technical performance (equipment, staff, acquisition/performance) and did not provide the professional interpretation/report.
• The interpretation/report (when separately billed by someone else) exists and is attributable to the interpreting professional, consistent with PC/TC splitting rules for the code.
• The CPT/HCPCS has a PC/TC indicator that allows splitting (commonly indicator 1).

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Clean-claim workflow (fast)

1. Confirm the service’s MPFS PC/TC indicator (if it’s not split-eligible, stop—don’t use -TC).
2. If split-eligible and you furnished only the technical portion, bill the CPT with -TC (and ensure the professional interpreter bills correctly on their side).
3. If your entity furnished both components, bill the code globally (no -26/-TC).