Ob-Gyn 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 ob-gyn performs a bilateral procedure (such as a lymphadenectomy)? Leaving the modifier off could cancel out additional compensation your physician deserves for the surgery. Check out these sure-fire ways you can determine if a particular code allows a bilateral modifier -- or not. Refer to the Fee Schedule for Guidance Scenario: Your ob-gyn performs a complete pelvic lymphadenectomy (38770, Pelvic lymphadenectomy, including external iliac, hypogastric, and obturator nodes [separate procedure]) on both sides, and you're 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 a bilateral modifier is allowed (www.cms.hhs.gov/pfslookup/). Look at column Z of the spreadsheet, [...]