NOV 04, 2021
Appending modifier on bundled services
The patient had cataract surgery on the left eye (CPT code 66984 -LT) and a YAG laser capsulotomy on the right eye (CPT code 66821 -RT) on the same day. I know payment for the laser will be reduced by 50% as the second procedure, but do I need to append any modifier other than -RT/-LT?
CPT code 66821 has been bundled with 66984 since 1996. Because the laser is performed on a different eye than the cataract surgery, it is appropriate to submit modifier -59 plus -RT to break the bundling edit. As you stated, the laser will be paid at 50% of the allowable due to multiple surgery guidelines.