HCPCS Level II modifier
Modifier K3
Modifier K3 is a HCPCS Level II modifier. CMS describes it as: Lower extremity prosthesis functional level 3 - has the ability or potential for ambulation with variable cadence. typical of the community ambulator who has the ability to transverse most environmental barriers and may have vocational, therapeutic, or exercise activity that demands prosthetic utilization beyond simple locomotion.
Source: CMS HCPCS Level II, October 2026 file dated September 23, 2026. Publisher page
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- Modifier
- K3
- Type
- HCPCS Level II modifier, maintained by CMS
- CMS description
- Lower extremity prosthesis functional level 3 - has the ability or potential for ambulation with variable cadence. typical of the community ambulator who has the ability to transverse most environmental barriers and may have vocational, therapeutic, or exercise activity that demands prosthetic utilization beyond simple locomotion.
- Claim form
- CMS-1500 item 24D, up to four modifiers per line. 837P SV101-3 to SV101-6.
- Guidance
- CMS HCPCS quarterly update
Related modifiers
- K4Lower extremity prosthesis functional level 4 - has the ability or potential for prosthetic ambulation that exceeds the basic ambulation skills, exhibiting high impact, stress, or energy levels, typical of the prosthetic demands of the child, active adult, or athlete.
- K2Lower extremity prosthesis functional level 2 - has the ability or potential for ambulation with the ability to traverse low level environmental barriers such as curbs, stairs or uneven surfaces. typical of the limited community ambulator.
- KAAdd on option/accessory for wheelchair
- K1Lower extremity prosthesis functional level 1 - has the ability or potential to use a prosthesis for transfers or ambulation on level surfaces at fixed cadence. typical of the limited and unlimited household ambulator.
- KBBeneficiary requested upgrade for ABN, more than 4 modifiers identified on claim
- K0Lower extremity prosthesis functional level 0 - does not have the ability or potential to ambulate or transfer safely with or without assistance and a prosthesis does not enhance their quality of life or mobility.
- KCReplacement of special power wheelchair interface
- JZZero drug amount discarded/not administered to any patient
Related pages
Questions
What does modifier K3 mean?
Modifier K3 is a HCPCS Level II modifier. CMS describes it as: Lower extremity prosthesis functional level 3 - has the ability or potential for ambulation with variable cadence. typical of the community ambulator who has the ability to transverse most environmental barriers and may have vocational, therapeutic, or exercise activity that demands prosthetic utilization beyond simple locomotion.
Is modifier K3 a CPT or a HCPCS modifier?
K3 is a HCPCS Level II modifier from the CMS quarterly HCPCS file. Two-digit numeric modifiers, such as 25 or 59, are CPT modifiers.
Where does modifier K3 go on a claim?
On the CMS-1500 it goes in item 24D next to the procedure code. Each line holds up to four modifiers. On an 837P it goes in SV101-3 to SV101-6.
What denial comes back when a modifier is wrong?
A missing or mismatched modifier often comes back as CARC 4. A modifier that was not valid on the date of service comes back as CARC 182. A bundling edit the modifier should have bypassed comes back as CARC 97 or 236.