Q&A Mod 50

[Lisa Berry]

Study question...if a question states it is bilateral, since the word bilateral is used, does that mean that you don't have to use modifier 50 with code?

 

[Laureen]

That is correct - don't use mod 50 if the description already says bilateral. You don't want to be redundant with modifiers. Mod 50 usually applies a mathematical formula of 150% so it would not be correct to take a code that already has factored in it is for both sides then add mod 50 and get paid 150%.

 

[Lisa Berry]

You stated that if it says bilateral then don't add a mod 50. In your 2015 practice test, question 55 "Max had a bilateral revision fenestration operation" and the answer said b. 69840-50. I'm confused???

 

[Laureen]

I mean if in the code description it said bilateral not in the question. 69840 simply says "Revision fenestration operation" - so if it's done on both sides or bilaterally then it would be appropriate to add modifier 50.