Which modifier is used to indicate that a procedure was performed on both sides?

• A. -51
• B. -50
• C. -59
• D. -26

Answer: (B)

Indicating a procedure performed on both sides is shown with the bilateral modifier. This modifier, coded as 50, is added to the CPT code to tell the payer that the same procedure was carried out on both sides in the same encounter. Using it clarifies that the service was bilateral rather than unilateral, which can influence reimbursement. Other modifiers have different purposes: the one for multiple procedures doesn’t specify laterality, the one for distinct services flags a separate procedure, and the one for professional components refers to the provider’s part of the service. So, the bilateral modifier 50 correctly communicates that the procedure was performed on both sides.