SEP 12, 2016
Appending Modifier to Injections
Question: I recently heard we should add a modifier to injection code 67028 when the physician performs it bilaterally. Do I need modifier -50 indicating bilateral or modifier -RT and -LT?
Answer: Surgical codes still require modifiers as not all ICD-10 codes identify the eye(s). The appropriate modifier(s) depends upon the payer. Since April 2013, Medicare Part B requires you to submit bilateral surgeries as a single line with modifier -50, 1 in the unit field and double the fee. Commercial payers may prefer two lines appended with modifiers -RT and -LT. When ICD-10 includes laterality, be sure to correctly link the ICD-10 diagnosis with each line item.