Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Number 2 in column Z? Strike out modifiers 50, RT, LT as options. Not sure if you can apply a modifier when your neurosurgeon performs a bilateral procedure (such as a laminotomy)? Leaving the modifier off could cancel out additional compensation your physician deserves for the surgery. Check out these surefire ways you can determine if a particular code allows a bilateral modifier -- or not. Refer to the Fee Schedule for Guidance Scenario: Your neurosurgeon performs a bilateral lumbar laminotomy procedure (63030, Laminotomy [hemilaminectomy], with decompression of nerve root[s], including partial facetectomy, foraminotomy and/or excision of herniated intervertebral disk, including open or endoscopically assisted approach; one interspace, lumbar), and youre not sure what modifier(s) to use. What should you do? Before deciding between modifiers 50 (Bilateral procedure), LT (Left side), or RT (Right side) for a given claim, you should consult the Physician Fee Schedule database to see if [...]