Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

An article in Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert Vol. 3, No. A, "Modifiers 50, LT, RT: Get Your Bilateral Service CodingOn The Right Track," suggested appending modifier 50 (Bilateral procedure) to HCPCS code J3301 (Injection, triamcinolone acentonide, not otherwise specified, per 10mg) for an injection of Kenalog to both feet.

However, experts say that you should not append modifier 50 to a medication code. Instead, append the modifier to the injection procedure code (e.g., 20600-50, Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection; small joint or bursa [e.g., fingers, toes]; Bilateral procedure) and bill the medication in units (e.g., J3301 x 2).