Bilateral modifiers: Medicare says not to use the -50 or RT/LT for certain cath procedures

Why This Topic Matters

The article is relevant because it describes a payer policy change that can affect how select interventional procedures are billed and processed, with potential downstream effects on reimbursement, claim editing, and staff education.

Article Sections

1. Medicare reporting change for bilateral modifier use

   Introduces a Medicare update affecting reporting for certain interventional procedure claims. It outlines the broad policy shift and the organizations and transmittals associated with the change.

2. Affected selective catheterization services

   Focuses on the main catheterization procedure group impacted by the reporting change and discusses why these services are especially important in interventional practice. It also addresses claim processing and reimbursement concerns at a general level.

3. Industry response and coding concerns

   Summarizes reactions from coders, consultants, and specialty societies regarding the change. It also notes concerns about workflow, charge entry, and claim monitoring.

4. 4 add-on codes hit by new bilateral policy

   Describes additional procedure codes affected by the same Medicare instructions. It provides a broader view of how the policy reaches beyond the primary catheterization family.