Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

For clues, look to the numerical indicator in Column T of the fee schedule.Deciding when to apply modifiers 50, LT and RT is a puzzling task if you have no idea how to select the appropriate modifier with confidence. Your decision-making should follow a combination of tried and tested advice from CMS, CPT and coding experts. Let these 3 tips guide you.Tip 1: Know the Ins and Outs of Using Modifier 50When the physician performs procedures on both sides of the body during the same operative session or on the same day, then you know he's rendering bilateral services. Modifier 50 (Bilateral procedure) doesn't apply to procedures that are bilateral by definition or described as "bilateral" or "unilateral".More specifically, CPT defines modifier 50 as: "Bilateral Procedure: Unless otherwise identified in the listing bilateral procedures that are performed at the same operative session should be identified by adding modifier 50 to [...]