modifier 50 and unit

A procedure was done on a patient right eye and left eye. I know I should use modifier 50 (bilateral). My question is, should I put 1 or 2 under the unit? Your answer is greatly appreciated!

Feb 23rd, 2012 - rhorton4 22

re: modifier 50 and unit

mod 50 w/ 1 Unit

Feb 23rd, 2012 - rphelps 615 1

re: modifier 50 and unit

The modifier 50 lets the insurance company know the units are 2.

Feb 23rd, 2012 - nmaguire 2,606

re: modifier 50 and unit

1 unit

Feb 23rd, 2012 - Codapedia Editor 1,399

re: modifier 50 and unit

Be sure that the procedure isn't already defined as a bilateral procedure. If a procedure is defined as bilateral, it is billed without the modifier, and with one unit.

Two articles about bilateral procedures:

http://codapedia.com/article_199_How-do-you-report-bilateral-procedures-One-line-or-two.cfm

http://codapedia.com/article_276_How-do-I-tell-if-a-code-is-defined-as-unilateral-or-bilateral.cfm