Reporting Laterality Still Requires Modifiers

One of the significant coding changes with ICD-10-CM was including laterality within the code itself. This concept should help reduce billing errors and claim denials. Interestingly, CMS issued a statement regarding the reporting of laterality in their provider newsletter (emphasis added).

Implementation of ICD-10-CM will not change the reporting of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes, including CPT/HCPCS modifiers for physician services. While ICD-10-CM codes have expanded detail, including specification of laterality for some conditions, providers will continue to follow CPT and CMS guidance in reporting CPT/HCPCS modifiers for laterality.

So even though the ICD-10 code specifies the location, it is still essential to use the proper modifiers on CPT/HCPCS codes to indicate laterality. 

More Items in October 2015

• Oct 21, 2015 - By Wyn Staheli
  Reporting Laterality Still Requires Modifiers
• Oct 19, 2015
  Finding Strain and Sprains in ICD-10-CM
• Oct 19, 2015
  New EHR Final Rule
• Oct 19, 2015
  Diabetes Mellitus, Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia Documentation
• Oct 16, 2015
  ICD-10-CM Blitz ICD-10-CM Proficiency Assessment Preparation Review
• Oct 14, 2015
  Modifiers - Reimbursement or Informational? Modifier Training
• Oct 13, 2015
  ICD-10 On The Front Lines
• Oct 09, 2015 - By By: Chris Woolstenhulme, CMRS
  ICD-10 Understanding Format and Structure
• Oct 09, 2015 - By Chris Woolstenhulme, CMRS
  Injuries Documentation
• Oct 09, 2015 - By Chris Woolstenhulme, CMRS
  Locating a code in ICD-10-CM
• Oct 09, 2015 - By Chris Woolstenhulme, CMRS
  Multiple External Cause Coding Guidelines
• Oct 09, 2015 - By Chris Woolstenhulme, CMRS
  No More V-codes Now What? Take a look at V20.2
• Oct 08, 2015 - By Chris Woolstenhulme, CMRS
  CMS will begin to apply a negative payment for 2014 PQRS
• Oct 08, 2015
  ICD-10 Coding Resources and Suggestions
• Oct 06, 2015
  ICD-10 Coding Resources and Suggestions
• Oct 02, 2015
  ICD-10-CM 7th Character And How It Is Used
• Oct 02, 2015
  ICD-10 Locating the Codes
• Oct 02, 2015
  Body Mass Index and Calculator Tool
• Oct 01, 2015
  New This Month (October 2015)

To view more items select a month from our "Items by Month" list.

Or view documentation, coding and billing articles.