50 modifier and number of units

[ChrissyMiodrag]

When you append the 50 modifier for bilateral service, double the charge, DO you also bill out at 2 units?

Thank you
Chrissy

 

[RebeccaWoodward*]

I only have one carrier that requires 2 units. All other carriers require 1 unit.

 

[ciphermed]

Although I do not have a reference; i would report the procedure with the modifier -50, the appropriate price (reflecting B/L proc) and one unit. Reporting the procedure with the -50 at 2 units would indicate that you performed the bilateral procedure twice.

Hope this helps

 

[RebeccaWoodward*]

Excerpt from BCBSNC's administrative website.......

"Modifier -50 should be used for bilateral procedures. Bilateral procedures should be listed on the claim as a single line item, with modifier -50, and a two in the units field."

This could become carrier specific but again...this in my only carrier, in my region, that has this requirement.

 

[mbort]

this is definitely carrier driven. I have carriers that want them on separate lines with rt/lt rather than the 50 modifier.