HCPCS Level II modifier
Modifier U3
Modifier U3 is a HCPCS Level II modifier. CMS describes it as: Medicaid level of care 3, as defined by each state.
Source: CMS HCPCS Level II, October 2026 file dated September 23, 2026. Publisher page
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- Modifier
- U3
- Type
- HCPCS Level II modifier, maintained by CMS
- CMS description
- Medicaid level of care 3, as defined by each state
- 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
- U4Medicaid level of care 4, as defined by each state
- U2Medicaid level of care 2, as defined by each state
- U5Medicaid level of care 5, as defined by each state
- U1Medicaid level of care 1, as defined by each state
- U6Medicaid level of care 6, as defined by each state
- TWBack-up equipment
- U7Medicaid level of care 7, as defined by each state
- TVSpecial payment rates, holidays/weekends
Related pages
Questions
What does modifier U3 mean?
Modifier U3 is a HCPCS Level II modifier. CMS describes it as: Medicaid level of care 3, as defined by each state.
Is modifier U3 a CPT or a HCPCS modifier?
U3 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 U3 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.