Modifier XE: Separate encounter
When it is appropriate
Use XE when the column two service happened during a separate encounter from the column one service on the same date, such as a morning visit for one problem and an unrelated, unplanned return visit later that day for a different problem.
When it is not appropriate
Do not use XE when both services were part of the same single encounter, or when a visit was artificially split into two encounters on paper just to avoid a bundling edit.
CMS preference
Use XE over plain 59 whenever the distinguishing factor really is timing (a separate encounter), since CMS intends the X modifiers to replace 59 wherever they fit more precisely.
Retrieved 2026-07-18.
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