AMA CPT® Assistant - 1998 Issue 2 (February)

Modifiers -50, -52 (Q&A) (February 1998)

February 1998 page 11c Coding Consultation Modifiers -50, -52 (Q&A) Question When a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are performed bilaterally, is it appropriate to append the -50 modifier to the procedure code? AMA Comment The codes for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (42820-42836) are intended to represent bilateral procedures. Therefore, it is not appropriate to append the -50 modifier when performed bilaterally. If the procedure is performed unilaterally, then the appropriate code would be reported with modifier -52, Reduced Services, appended. Modifiers -50, -52 (Q&A). CPT® Assistant. 1998; February 1998 page 11c ...

To read the full article, sign in and subscribe to the AMA CPT® Assistant.


Access to this feature is available in the following products:
  • AMA's CPT® Assistant - Current + Archives
  • AMA's CPT® Advanced Coding Pack
CPT® Assistant content is the official source for CPT® coding guidance. It is an instrumental tool when appealing insurance denials and validating coding to auditors. Monthly issues and an extensive archive provide comprehensive guidance on proper CPT® coding for past, present and upcoming code set releases. Archives date back to 1990 for historical use of codes, changes, rationales, coding tips and trends in the industry.

demo
request yours today
subscribe
start today
newsletter
free subscription

Thank you for choosing Find-A-Code, please Sign In to remove ads.