{"id":8604,"date":"2019-03-27T19:27:44","date_gmt":"2019-03-27T13:57:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.medicalbillersandcoders.com\/blog\/?p=8604"},"modified":"2025-06-02T11:16:13","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T11:16:13","slug":"avoid-the-top-10-modifier-mistakes-modifier-50","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.medicalbillersandcoders.com\/blog\/avoid-the-top-10-modifier-mistakes-modifier-50\/","title":{"rendered":"Avoid the Top 10 Modifier Mistakes \u2013 Modifier 50"},"content":{"rendered":"

Matching CPT code with an ICD 10 <\/a>code, would seem to be a very straightforward process but there are always variations\/exceptions to everything. Sometimes, there are related services that the physician is performing, global periods to contend with, etc. Modifiers will clarify extenuating circumstances, which should allow for payment when they otherwise may not. That said, the improper use of modifiers can be the cause of claim denials just as not using a modifier can be. When using modifiers, make sure you clearly understand what the modifier entails.<\/p>\n

In this, and the following blogs, we identify 10 of the most commonly misused modifiers to help you become more aware of the issues surrounding them. We\u2019ll help you understand why they are problematic and how you can use them correctly.<\/p>\n

Modifier 50<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Modifier 50 is used to report bilateral procedures that are performed during the same operative session by the same physician in either separate operative areas (e.g. hands, feet, legs, arms, ears), or one (same) operative area (e.g. nose, eyes, breasts).<\/p>\n

Different carriers require different reporting of bilateral procedures and offer different reimbursement methodologies. For examples of common carrier preferences, see Table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Sample Carrier Preferred Format<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Example<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n

\n

# of Units<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Modifier 50 on one line<\/td>\nLine 1: XXXXX-50<\/td>\n1 Unit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Procedure on two lines
Modifier 50 appended to the second procedure<\/td>\n		Line 1: XXXXX
Line 2: XXXXX-50<\/td>\n		1 Unit
1 Unit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
LT\/RT modifiers
Appended to the procedure on one line
Billed as 2 units<\/td>\n		Line 1: XXXXX-LT, RT<\/td>\n2 Units<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Procedure listed twice
RT\/LT modifiers appended
Modifier 59 on the second procedure<\/td>\n		Line 1: XXXXX-LT
Line 2: XXXXX-59, RT<\/td>\n		1 Unit
1 Unit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

When using Modifier 50 to indicate a procedure was performed bilaterally, the modifiers LT (Left) and RT (Right) should not be billed on the same service line.\u00a0 Modifiers LT or RT should be used to identify which one of the paired organs were operated on.<\/p>\n

Billing procedures as two lines of service using the left (LT) and right (RT) modifiers are not the same as identifying the procedure with Modifier 50. An example of inappropriate will be: The terminology for procedure code 27158 (osteotomy, pelvis, bilateral) indicates the procedure is performed bilaterally. Therefore it\u2019s not appropriate to report modifier 50 with this procedure code.<\/p>\n

This modifier can be the cause of several errors. First, some CPT codes have laterality built into the code descriptor, rendering the use of modifier 50 (Bilateral procedure) redundant. Second, some payers, including Medicare, prefer you to use Level II (HCPCS) modifiers RT (Right side) and LT (Left side) to specify the side of the body on which your provider performed the service.<\/p>\n

How you should use it: Make sure you know your payer\u2019s preference before using 50, RT, or LT. You can also check to see which CPT codes will take 50 by<\/p>\n

    \n
  • going to the Physician Fee Schedule Search page;<\/li>\n
  • entering a valid CPT code number;<\/li>\n
  • checking All modifiers in the appropriate drop-down;<\/li>\n
  • hitting Search;<\/li>\n
  • clicking the Show All Columns link;<\/li>\n
  • Then scrolling over to the BILT SURG column.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    You should never attach 50 to codes with indicators 0, 2, and 9 in that column; however, you can use the modifier on codes with indicators 1 or 3.<\/p>\n

    Example1:<\/strong> Procedure code 19303 (Mastectomy, simple, complete) is performed bilaterally, report the service as 19303 and append modifier 50.<\/p>\n

    Example2:<\/strong> A physician performs removal of impacted cerumen with instrumentation on both ears. You report 69210 (Removal impacted cerumen requiring instrumentation, unilateral) for the procedure, and append modifier 50 to 69210 to show the procedure was bilateral as the 69210 descriptor contains the word \u201cunilateral,\u201d and is thus a modifier 50 opportunity.<\/p>\n

    FAQs:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
    1: What is Modifier 50 used for in medical billing?<\/strong>

    Modifier 50 is used to indicate that a bilateral procedure was performed during the same operative session by the same physician, whether on separate or the same operative areas.<\/p> <\/div>

    2: When should I use Modifier 50 instead of LT or RT?<\/strong>

    Use Modifier 50 for bilateral procedures where laterality is not built into the CPT code; use LT (Left) and RT (Right) when specifying the side of the body is necessary.<\/p> <\/div>

    3: Are there any CPT codes where Modifier 50 cannot be used?<\/strong>

    Yes, do not attach Modifier 50 to CPT codes with indicators 0, 2, or 9, as these indicate that the procedure cannot be billed bilaterally.<\/p> <\/div>

    4: How should I check if a CPT code accepts Modifier 50?<\/strong>

    You can verify by visiting the Physician Fee Schedule Search page, entering the CPT code, and checking the BILT SURG column for relevant indicators.<\/p> <\/div>

    5: What happens if Modifier 50 is used incorrectly?<\/strong>

    Incorrect use of Modifier 50 can lead to claim denials or reimbursement errors, especially if the procedure already has laterality indicated in the code descriptor.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Matching CPT code with an ICD 10 code, would seem to be a very straightforward process but there are always variations\/exceptions to everything. Sometimes, there are related services that the physician is performing, global periods to contend with, etc. Modifiers will clarify extenuating circumstances, which should allow for payment when they otherwise may not. That […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":19687,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[1528,1529,1530,1531,1532,1533,1534],"class_list":["post-8604","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-medical-billing-services","tag-avoid-top-10-cpt-modifier-mistakes","tag-correcting-the-common-mistakes-in-coding","tag-how-to-fix-common-modifiers","tag-how-to-fix-common-modifiers-mistake","tag-medical-coding-mistakes-that-could-cost-you","tag-mistakes-with-modifiers","tag-modifier-mistakes"],"yoast_head":"\nModifier 50 - Avoid the Top 10 Modifier Mistakes you should know<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Modifier 50 is used to report bilateral procedures that are performed during the same operative session by the same physician\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, 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necessary.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.medicalbillersandcoders.com\\\/blog\\\/avoid-the-top-10-modifier-mistakes-modifier-50\\\/#faq-question-1748862921290\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.medicalbillersandcoders.com\\\/blog\\\/avoid-the-top-10-modifier-mistakes-modifier-50\\\/#faq-question-1748862921290\",\"name\":\"3: Are there any CPT codes where Modifier 50 cannot be used?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes, do not attach Modifier 50 to CPT codes with indicators 0, 2, or 9, as these indicate that the procedure cannot be billed bilaterally.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.medicalbillersandcoders.com\\\/blog\\\/avoid-the-top-10-modifier-mistakes-modifier-50\\\/#faq-question-1748862927678\",\"position\":4,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.medicalbillersandcoders.com\\\/blog\\\/avoid-the-top-10-modifier-mistakes-modifier-50\\\/#faq-question-1748862927678\",\"name\":\"4: How should I check if a CPT code accepts Modifier 50?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"You can verify by visiting the Physician Fee Schedule Search page, entering the CPT code, and checking the BILT SURG column for relevant 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