Bilateral Procedures

When billing for bilateral procedures on 1 line with a 50 modifier x 1 unit, is it better to double the fee or leave it the same as if you are billing a single procedure.

I know that Medicare will pay 150% of the allowable but I am concerned that for other payers they will only pay for the "unit" price and not add another 50% to the reimbursement. I have previously been told to double it and let the payer adjust rather than take a chance at losing 50% if the payer does not have edits to pay based on the modifier 50. What is your opinion?

re: Bilateral Procedures

If you are using one line to report bilateral procedure with modifier 50 (1 unit) you are to double the charge amount.