Ob-Gyn Coding Alert
You Be The Coder:
Modifier -50 and 58561
Published on Fri Apr 30, 2004
Question: My ob-gyn performed a hysteroscopy with removal of leiomyomata for a patient who had uterine didelphys. I reported 58561-50. Is this correct or is there a better method? The insurance carrier is denying the modifier.
Georgia Subscriber
Answer: According to Medicare guidelines, 58561 (Hysteroscopy, surgical; with removal of leiomyomata) does not qualify for a bilateral modifier (for example, modifier -50, Bilateral procedure). So the carrier's denial is correct.
You should report 58561 without modifier -50 no matter where the fibroids are located -- one side or two sides. The code applies to either and both.
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Ob-Gyn Coding Alert
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