Which code is used for bilateral procedures?

The code used for bilateral procedures is the modifier -50. This modifier indicates that a procedure was performed on both sides of the body, such as when a surgical procedure is done on both the left and right organs simultaneously (e.g., bilateral mastectomy). This is important in coding because it allows for accurate billing and ensures that the services provided are clearly represented, avoiding the need to code the procedure twice for each side. Using modifier -50 streamlines the claim process and helps in capturing the full scope of services provided to the patient in a systematic manner.

In contrast, other modifiers do not specifically denote bilateral procedures. For instance, modifier -24 is used to indicate a post-operative visit during the global period of a procedure, -51 is applied to denote multiple procedures during a single session, and -27 is used for multiple visits on the same day. Each of these modifiers serves distinct purposes in medical coding, but only modifier -50 clearly conveys that a procedure was carried out bilaterally.