March 2, 2017

Question:
Can we bill 63047 with modifier 50 when we do a bilateral procedure?

Answer:
The code descriptor for 63047 is:

Laminectomy, facetectomy and foraminotomy (unilateral or bilateral with decompression of spinal cord, cauda equina and/or nerve root(s), (eg, spinal or lateral recess stenosis)), single vertebral segment; lumbar

Notice the words “unilateral or bilateral” which means this code includes removal of one or both sides; therefore, it would not be appropriate to append modifier 50 to 63047.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 03/02/17.