What modifier indicates that a service was provided without the presence of the teaching physician?

The correct answer, which indicates that a service was provided without the presence of the teaching physician, is Modifier GE. This modifier is specifically used to report services where residents are involved in providing care and highlights that the supervision of a teaching physician was not present during the service.

Modifier GC, on the other hand, is used to indicate that a service was performed in the presence of a teaching physician, signifying that the service was part of a graduate medical education (GME) program. Modifier FP relates to an unrelated service and does not apply to the context of teaching physicians. Modifier TA is used to indicate a specific side for a particular procedure and is unrelated to the presence or absence of a teaching physician.

Understanding the distinction of these modifiers is crucial in accurately documenting services and ensuring compliance with billing practices in medical auditing.