Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: I’m relatively new to orthopedic coding, so a couple of the modifiers I’m familiarizing myself with are confusing. How — and why — do you use the F/T modifiers? Aren’t the LT/RT modifiers adequate?

AAPC Forum Subscriber

Answer: The why is less involved than the how, so let’s answer that question first.

The F/T modifiers are for fingers and toes, and you’ll use them to indicate which finger(s)/toe(s) your provider operated on. CPT^® designed these modifiers for use instead of modifiers LT (Left side) and RT (Right side) because they are far more specific. The benefit of using these modifiers is twofold.

First, F/T modifiers can make payment processing easier, as they will point the payer to exactly which digit(s) your provider treated. On the patient side, F/T modifiers can give a better impression of the patient’s injury and recovery, which benefits provider and patient.

Warning: Some payers might not want you using F/T modifiers on certain procedure codes — or at all. Before using F/T modifiers, check payer policies to see if they have restrictions on using modifiers F/T.

The F modifiers are as follows:

• FA (Left hand, thumb)
• F1 (Left hand, second digit)
• F2 (Left hand, third digit)
• F3 (Left hand, fourth digit)
• F4 (Left hand, fifth digit)
• F5 (Right hand, thumb)
• F6 (Right hand, second digit)
• F7 (Right hand, third digit)
• F8 (Right hand, fourth digit)
• F9 (Right hand, fifth digit)

The T modifiers are as follows:

• TA (Left foot, great toe)
• T1 (Left foot, second digit)
• T2 (Left foot, third digit)
• T3 (Left foot, fourth digit)
• T4 (Left foot, fifth digit)
• T5 (Right foot, great toe)
• T6 (Right foot, second digit)
• T7 (Right foot, third digit)
• T8 (Right foot, fourth digit)
• T9 (Right foot, fifth digit)