What is the purpose of the DVP (Distinct Procedural Service) modifier in medical billing?

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Last updated: November 9, 2025View editorial policy

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DVP Modifier in Medical Billing

The DVP modifier does not exist as a standard billing modifier in medical coding; the term "DVP" in the provided evidence refers to "Dynamic Venous Pressure" in hemodialysis access monitoring, not a billing modifier. 1

Clarification of Medical Billing Modifiers

The confusion likely stems from terminology overlap. In medical billing, the relevant modifiers for distinct or specialized services include:

Telemedicine Modifiers

  • Modifier 95: Used to indicate services provided via interactive audio and video telecommunications systems for real-time telemedicine encounters 1
  • Modifier GT: Alternative telemedicine modifier indicating "via interactive audio and video telecommunications systems" 1
  • Modifier GQ: Specifically for asynchronous telecommunications in Federal telemedicine demonstration programs in Alaska or Hawaii 1

Key Billing Requirements

  • Claims must include the appropriate CPT or HCPCS code along with the telemedicine modifier to certify that services were provided remotely 1
  • The modifier certifies that the beneficiary was present at an eligible originating site when telemedicine services were furnished 1
  • Proper coding with appropriate modifiers ensures accurate reimbursement when medical necessity is established 2

DVP in Clinical Context (Not Billing)

In the hemodialysis literature, DVP refers to:

  • Dynamic Venous Pressure: Also called venous drip chamber pressure, measured in venous tubing during dialysis 1
  • Used for surveillance of vascular access dysfunction, though studies question its utility in detecting stenoses in fistulae 1

This clinical measurement term should not be confused with billing modifiers, as they serve entirely different purposes in healthcare documentation.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Guideline

Medical Billing with G2211 Code

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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