What is the modifier 50 used for?

Use modifier 50 to report bilateral procedures performed during the same operative session by the same physician in either separate operative areas (e.g., hands, feet, legs, arms, ears) or in the same operative area (e.g., nose, eyes, breasts).

How does modifier 50 affect reimbursement?

Modifier 50 affects payment For Medicare and many commercial payors, proper application of modifier 50 increases reimbursement to 150 percent of the allowable fee schedule payment for the code to which the modifier is appended.

Is 50 modifier still valid?

Modifier 50 is invalid for these procedure codes. 2. Processing: If these procedure codes are submitted with modifier 50, the line item will be denied for incorrect coding.

Should modifier 50 be billed with 2 units?

Coding notes: List the procedure code once with modifier 50. For surgical codes, list the number of units as “1”; for nonsurgical codes, list the number of units as “2.” Do not use modifier 50 to report surgical procedures identified by their CPT descriptor as bilateral or unilateral.

Can you use modifier 50 on xray?

50, bilateral procedure: This modifier relates to circumstances in which both sides of the body are imaged or a procedure is performed on both sides of the body. Do not use this modifier if the code is written as a bilateral procedure or service, as it is expected to be performed on both sides.

How do I know if a CPT code is bilateral?

What does 2 mean? If the code has an indicator of two, it is a bilateral procedure code. You would not need to add a modifier 50 because the code is already bilateral. A code with this indicator lets the insurance company know that both sides were done.

How do you bill for bilateral knee injections?

03/01/2019 Billing the injection procedure: Added CPT code 20611 to following statement: The appropriate site modifier (RT or LT) must be appended to CPT code 20610 or CPT code 20611 to indicate if the service was performed unilaterally and modifier (-50) must be appended to indicate if the service was performed …

What is anatomic modifier?

Anatomical modifiers designate the area or part of the body on which the procedure is performed and assist in prompt, accurate adjudication of claims. Including Coronary Artery, Eye Lid, Finger, Side of Body, and Toe.

What is RT and LT modifiers?

Description. LT. LEFT SIDE (USED TO IDENTIFY PROCEDURES PERFORMED ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BODY) RT. RIGHT SIDE (USED TO IDENTIFY PROCEDURES PERFORMED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BODY)