Modifier 92 (Alternative Laboratory Platform Testing) is used when laboratory tests are performed with single‑use, disposable, portable kits or transportable instruments. The AMA defines it for tests identified by laboratory procedure codes—commonly rapid HIV tests (CPT codes 86701–86703 and 87389)—when the device consists wholly or in part of a single‑use disposable analytical chamber and may be hand‑carried or transported to the patient. Location alone does not determine use of the modifier; the defining feature is the alternative, disposable platform used to perform the test (AMA definition via build.fhir.org).

Use modifier 92 only when all criteria are met: the test is performed with a single‑use disposable device or kit, the device is portable/transportable (not permanently installed), and the laboratory procedure code reported is one that can be appended with this modifier (examples cited by AMA include HIV tests 86701–86703 and 87389). Educational guidance further clarifies that modifier 92 is associated with CLIA‑waived, in‑office single‑use kit testing (for example, rapid HIV tests) and should not be appended to E/M or HCPCS codes.

The AMA and reviewed resources do not specify a standardized payment effect for modifier 92. How the modifier affects reimbursement is payer‑dependent; some payers may require it for proper processing of point‑of‑care disposable kit tests, while others may not recognize it or may apply different payment rules. Coders should consult the payer’s billing manual or local coverage determinations to determine whether modifier 92 is required or affects payment for a given payer.

Best practices: do not append modifier 92 to non‑lab services; limit use to qualifying single‑use disposable, portable laboratory platforms (commonly rapid HIV tests per the AMA). Always verify current CPT guidance and check payer‑specific policies for billing and reimbursement treatment.