Modifier 5902 most directly communicates to payers that the service was delivered via:

• A. In-Person
• B. Store-and-Forward
• C. Real-Time Video Telehealth
• D. Mail

Answer: (C)

Modifiers tell payers exactly how a service was delivered. Modifier 5902 flags that the encounter was provided through live, real-time video telehealth, meaning there was synchronous audiovisual interaction between patient and clinician. This direct, interactive modality is what payers look for when distinguishing telehealth delivered via video from other delivery methods.

Real-time video telehealth allows simultaneous communication and assessment, which is different from store-and-forward, where information (like images or data) is sent for later review without live interaction. It’s also not just mail or in-person care; those options don’t involve a live two-way video connection. So the modifier that conveys the live video format best communicates the delivery method to payers.