modifier 50, 50 modifier,

(2023) Proper Usage Of Modifier 50 | Bilateral Procedure

Bilateral services are procedures performed on both sides of the body during the same operative session or on the same day. Modifier 50 is not applicable to procedures that are bilateral by definition or their descriptions include the terminology “bilateral” or “unilateral”.

For example: CPT 69210 Removal impacted cerumen in one or both ears. The RVUs are based on the modifier 50 bilateral procedure because the code descriptor specifically states that the procedure may be performed unilaterally or bilaterally or is usually performed as a bilateral procedure.

Description Of Modifier 50

The official description of Modifier 50: “Bilateral Procedure:

Unless otherwise identified in the listing, bilateral procedures performed at the same operative session should be identified by adding modifier 50 bilateral procedure to the appropriate five-digit code.”

Modifier 50 is used to report diagnostic, radiology, and surgical procedures. Modifier 50 applies to any bilateral procedure performed on both sides in the same session.

Procedure Code For Modifier 50

Modifier 50 should follow the procedure code in Item 24d of the CMS-1500 claim form or the equivalent electronic field when services are rendered bilaterally (unless the code does not require modifier 50 as described above).

Use Of Other Modifiers

Do not use Modifier RT and Modifier LT when Modifier 50 applies. A bilateral procedure is reported on one line using the modifier 50 descriptions and the unit should always be one.

Reimbursement 

The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Database (MPFSDB) determines reimbursement for bilateral services. The MPFSDB defines procedures that may be submitted as “bilateral” and how reimbursement is calculated.

The “Bilateral Surgery Indicator” in the MPFSDB indicates how the bilateral service must be submitted to Medicare.

To access this database, refer to the CMS Web site at: http://www.cms.gov/apps/physician-fee-schedule/overview.aspx

A “bilateral service” applies when a procedure is performed on both sides of the body during the same operative session or on the same day.

Bilateral Surgery Indicator ‘0’

150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does not apply. If the procedure is reported with modifier 50 or modifier RT and modifier LT, the payment is based on the two sides on the lower of the total charges for both sides or 100% of the fee schedule for a single code.

Example: CPT code 11056 – Paring or cutting of benign hyperkeratotic lesion (eg, corn or callus); two to four lesions

Submit the surgery with a quantity of 1.

Do not submit these procedures with Modifier 50.

Bilateral Surgery Indicator ‘1’

150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedure applies. If the code is billed with the bilateral modifier (50), the payment is based on the lower total charges for both sides or 150% of the fee schedule for a single code.

Example: CPT code 29805: “Arthroscopy, shoulder, diagnostic, with or without synovial biopsy (separate procedure).”

Submit the procedure on a single detail line with CPT modifier 50 and a quantity of “1.”

Bilateral Surgery Indicator ‘2’

A 150% payment adjustment does not apply. Relative value units (RVUs) are already based on the procedure being performed as a bilateral procedure.

If the procedure is reported with a modifier 50 description or twice on the same day by any other means, the payment is based on both sides of the total actual charge by the physician for both sides or 100% of the fee schedule for a single code.

The RVUs are based on the bilateral procedure because the code descriptor specifically states that the procedure is bilateral, the code descriptor states the procedure may be performed unilaterally or bilaterally, or the procedure is usually performed as a bilateral procedure.

Example: CPT code 32853: “Lung transplant, double (bilateral sequential or en bloc); without cardiopulmonary bypass.”

Submit the procedure with a quantity of “1.”

Do not submit these procedures with CPT modifier 50.

Bilateral Surgery Indicator ‘3’

The usual payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does not apply. If the procedure is reported with modifier 50 or for both sides on the same day, payment is based on each side, organ, or site of a paired organ on the lower actual charge for each side of 100% of the fee schedule amount.

Services in this category are generally radiology procedures or other diagnostic tests not subject to the special payment rules for other bilateral surgeries.

Example: CPT code 73040: Radiologic examination, shoulder, arthrography, radiological supervision and interpretation.

Submit the procedure on a single detail line with CPT Modifier 50 description and a quantity of “2.”

Bilateral Surgery Indicator ‘9’

The bilateral concept does not apply.

Do not submit these procedures with the modifier 50.

Please Note

Unless the carrier specifies, do not reduce the billed amount for the second procedure; let the claims adjudication process reduce the procedure. There is a greater chance that the adjudicator will reduce the procedure beyond the amount already applied than the carrier overpaying for the second procedure.

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