Modified average-cost method

Under this system of calculating summary measures, the actuarial balance is defined as the difference between the arithmetic means of the annual cost rates and the annual income rates, with an adjustment included to account for the offsets to cost that are due to (1) the starting trust fund balance and (2) interest earned on the trust fund.

Modified life

Ordinary life insurance that has premiums during the first few years (usually 5) that are slightly larger than the rate for term insurance. After that time period, the annual premium is higher.

Modified risk

In life and health insurance, individual whose physical condition is less than standard or who has a dangerous occupation or hobby (e.g., history of stroke or race driver). An additional premium is required because of the possibility of loss from an impairment. Also called substandard risk or impaired risk .

Modified work

In workers’ compensation cases, job that has been changed to allow an injured worker to perform (e.g., to alter a workstation so that the job can be done seated instead of standing or to adjust the content of the work to exclude tasks the worker is not able to perform). Also called modified job .

Modifier

1. In Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding, a two-character (numeric or alphanumeric) add-on indicator placed after the usual procedure code number to indicate circumstances in which a procedure as performed differs in some way from that described by its usual five-digit code (see Box M-1 ). Also called code modifier . 2. In HCPCS Level II coding, a one- or two-digit alpha or alphanumeric number placed after the usual Level I or II code that helps further describe a procedure or service. Also see Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) modifiers .Box M-1MODIFIER27372-51 (typed on one line)