Wiki Modifier 50

[Melissa K]

I'm hoping someone can help clarify the use of modifier 50. In the past, I was instructed to always change the units to 2 when using modifier 50. Now I am reading that you should only use 1 unit and I'm also finding articles which state that the use of 2 units is appropriate, which leaves me scratching my head...

If someone could please clarify this, I would really appreciate it! We started using this more often for our interventional radiology procedures and I want to make sure they are being billed correctly.

Thanks!

 

[dclark7]

Check with your insurance carriers, some want one line with mod 50 and one unit, some want one line with mod 50 and two units and some want two lines one unit each with mod 50 on the second line. You need to check with each carrier to find out how they want it billed. Medicare wants one line and one unit, the modifier tells them to ad 50% so you're paid at 150% of the allowed amount.