Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Rejoice in 150-percent payment for correct modifier 50 use.When your neurologist performs a procedure, such as Botox injections, on mirrored locations on a patient's body, knowing how and when to append modifier 50 (Bilateral procedure) can add a significant boost to your bottom line.Good news: Appending modifier 50 means you should expect to see 150 percent of the normal allowed reimbursement for the procedure. Learn what the experts suggest for getting the reimbursement you could have coming when your neurologist performs a bilateral procedure.Check Physician Fee Schedule FirstTo find out if you can report any CPT code as bilateral or unilateral, check the Medicare physician fee schedule. You can find the bilateral indicator in column "Z" ("Bilat Surg") of the spreadsheet.This indicator tells whether the code you are using can be reported bilaterally. A "1" means you're free to append modifier 50 when appropriate.For example, you will find a "1" [...]