Does CPT 20610 require a modifier?

Asked by: Bettie McLaughlin  |  Last update: May 26, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (64 votes)

The appropriate site modifier (RT or LT) must be appended to CPT code 20610 or 20611 to indicate if the service was performed unilaterally and modifier (50) must be appended to indicate if the service was performed bilaterally.

Do you need a modifier for 20610?

If the provider performs injections on separate, non-symmetrical joints (e.g., left shoulder and right knee), you may report two units of 20610 and append modifier 59 Distinct procedural service to the second unit (e.g., 20610, 20610-59) to indicate the second procedure occurred at a different joint.

What procedure requires a modifier 50?

Use modifier 50 to report bilateral procedures performed during the same operative session by the same physician in either separate operative areas (e.g., hands, feet, legs, arms, ears) or in the same operative area (e.g., nose, eyes, breasts).

What CPT codes need a 59 modifier?

Another common use of modifiers 59 or XE is for surgical procedures, non-surgical therapeutic procedures, or diagnostic procedures performed during different patient encounters on the same day that can't be described by 1 of the more specific NCCI PTP-associated modifiers – in other words, 24, 25, 27, 57, 58, 78, 79, ...

Is CPT 20610 bilateral?

Generally, one unit of the 20610 CPT code should be reported for each joint treated. However, multiple units may be reported for multiple joints or bilateral procedures using appropriate modifiers.

CPT 20610 Billing Scenarios

22 related questions found

What is the modifier for bilateral injections?

The modifier 50 is defined as a bilateral procedure performed on both sides of the body.

Which drugs require a jz modifier?

Effective July 1, 2023, providers and suppliers are required to report the JZ modifier on all claims that bill for drugs from single-dose containers that are separately payable under Medicare Part B when there are no discarded amounts.

How do you know if a CPT code needs a modifier?

What Are Medical Coding Modifiers?
  • The service or procedure has both professional and technical components.
  • More than one provider performed the service or procedure.
  • More than one location was involved.
  • A service or procedure was increased or reduced in comparison to what the code typically requires.

When to use 59 or 51 modifier?

Modifier -51 would be attached because the biopsy is the lesser-valued procedure done at the same session, and modifier -59 would be attached to indicate that the biopsy, which is normally bundled with excision of the same lesion, was done on a separate lesion from the one that was excised.

What is the modifier for two separate procedures?

Modifier 51 comes into play only when two or more procedures are performed. It is not to be used when a procedure is performed along with an Evaluation and Management (E/M) service.

What is a 58 modifier used for?

Modifier 58 is defined as a staged or related procedure performed during the postoperative period of the first procedure by the same physician. A new postoperative period begins when the staged procedure is billed.

How do I know if a CPT code needs a laterality modifier?

The -RT and -LT modifiers should be used whenever a procedure is performed on one side. For instance, when reporting CPT code 27560 (closed treatment of patellar dislocation; without anesthesia), modifier -RT or -LT should be appended if only one knee is treated.

What is a 52 modifier used for?

Modifier -52 is used to indicate partial reduction or discontinuation of radiology procedures and other services that do not require anesthesia. The modifier provides a means for reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service.

How to bill 99213 and 20610 together?

Use the E/M code with a modifier (for example, 99213-25), as well as the knee joint aspiration procedure code 20610. Thus, when a new problem requires more than a cursory review, the visit generally qualifies for an E/M with modifier -25.

What is CPT code 20610 50?

In situations where a provider performs bilateral injections (the right and left knee) and provides no other injections the bilateral services should be billed on one lien as 20610-50 with 1 unit."

What is mod 50?

Definitions. Modifier 50. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) modifier 50 represents a service or procedure performed on both sides of the body during the same session. Bilateral Adjustment.

What is the 51 modifier for injections?

Modifier 51

When multiple procedures, other than Evaluation and Management (E/M), Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation services or provisions of supplies (e.g., vaccines) are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed.

Which procedure gets the 59 modifier?

For example, Modifier 59 should be used when coding for a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion (noncontiguous lesions in different anatomic regions of the same organ), or separate injury.

When to use modifier 55?

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT ONLY: WHEN ONE PHYSICIAN PERFORMS THE POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT AND ANOTHER PHYSICIAN HAS PERFORMED THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE, THE POSTOPERATIVE COMPONENT MAY BE IDENTIFIED BY ADDING THE MODIFIER -55 TO THE USUAL PROCEDURE NUMBER OR BY USE OF THE SEPARATE FIVE DIGIT MODIFIER CODE 09955.

Does CPT require a modifier?

According to CPT, the situations when the use of a modifier may be appropriate are: The service or procedure has both professional and technical components. More than one provider performed the service or procedure. More than one location was involved.

How do you know which modifier to use?

The correct modifier to use is determined by payor preference. There can be instances where a CPT code is further defined by an HCPCS modifier, for example, to describe the side of the body the procedure is performed on, such as left (modifier -LT) or right (modifier -RT).

Do HCPCS codes need modifiers?

HCPCS modifiers

These modifiers provide additional data about medical services, procedures, or supplies without changing the code meanings. Medical coders and healthcare providers use these modifiers to explain what happened during a particular encounter.

What modifiers are used for injections?

The use of the JA and JB modifiers is required for drugs which have 1 HCPCS Level II (J or Q) code but multiple routes of administration. Drugs that fall under this category must be billed with JA Modifier for the intravenous infusion of the drug or billed with JB Modifier for subcutaneous injection of the drug.

What is the PO modifier?

Modifier -PO is for services, procedures, and/or surgeries furnished at excepted off-campus provider- based outpatient departments. This modifier is to be reported with every HCPCS code for all outpatient hospital items and services furnished in an excepted off campus provider-based department of a hospital.

What is a gy modifier?

GY modifier is added to claims in which the item or service is statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any Medicare benefit. Correct Use. Append when services are provided under statutory exclusion from Medicare Program. It is not necessary to provide patient with an ABN for these situations.