Billing and Coding: Use of Laterality Modifiers

Claims for services on anatomically left/right structures must include appropriate laterality modifiers (-RT or -LT) on each claim line for unilateral procedures, and bilateral procedures must use the appropriate bilateral modifier. CPT codes explicitly described as 'unilateral or bilateral' do not require extra laterality modifiers; claims missing required RT/LT modifiers or with incorrect modifier placement will be rejected as incorrect coding.

"Claims for CPT/HCPCS codes describing services on anatomic structures that can be distinguished as left or right must include the appropriate laterality modifier (-RT or -LT) on each claim line for..."

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