Wiki rt/lt modifiers in anesthesia

[ALALA]

Hello All,

I'm being asked to add the RT or LT modifiers to anesthesia codes for the following insurances: Harvard Pilgrim, UHC, & BCBS of MA.

In my 25 years of billing anesthesia, I've never used these modifier for an anesthesia procedure. Most specifically for 01630, 01400, 01402, 01740
seems for anything shoulder, knee or elbow.

I'm unable to locate any policy or written documentation for this requirement and have asked my billers for direction but am getting no where.

Has anyone else had this issue or request from an insurance ? I'm reluctant to add the mod as it doesn't seem appropriate and would hate to do this and set a precedence for the future.

Any info or advise is appreciated. Especially if you have documentation that supports this either way.

 

[fwnewbie]

I can see the need to specify which side of the body is being treated. Someone in the office must have the request from these companies. You can tell the person asking you to do this that the claim can be denied if this isn't truly what the ins. wants.