AMA CPT® Assistant - 1997 Issue 3 (March)
Musculoskeletal, 21196 (Q&A) (March 1997)
March 1997 page 11 Coding Consultation Musculoskeletal, 21196 (Q&A) Question Does code 21196 , Reconstruction of mandibular rami and/or body, sagittal split, with internal rigid fixation , refer to a single side or bilateral procedure? AMA Comment Prior to 1996, code 21196 was considered a unilateral procedure, as the descriptor stated ramus. However, in 1996 the descriptor was changed to rami, therefore indicating that code 21196 is inherently bilateral. No bilateral modifier is used. Musculoskeletal, 21196 (Q&A). CPT® Assistant. 1997; March 1997 page 11 ...
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Article Overview
This article summarizes an AMA coding consultation from March 1997 focused on a musculoskeletal CPT procedure and its laterality interpretation. It is relevant to coders, billers, compliance staff, and other readers who need to understand how the article discusses the code’s descriptor history and modifier usage at a high level.
Why This Topic Matters
Laterality and modifier treatment can affect reporting consistency and claims processing, so articles like this help coding professionals understand how the AMA addressed a specific CPT question at the time.
What You Will Learn
- The general topic of laterality interpretation in a musculoskeletal CPT consultation.
- How the article frames the relationship between a code descriptor change and bilateral reporting.
- What kind of modifier guidance the consultation addresses at a high level.
- The historical context and publication timing of the AMA discussion.
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Compliance staff
- Billing professionals
- Physician practice managers
Codes Discussed
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