Which modifiers are used in the code entry 49505-50, 99213-57?

• A. -50 and -57
• B. -57 and -50
• C. -59 and -26
• D. -26 and -59

Answer: (A)

Modifiers add important detail about how a service was performed. In this entry, the repair code is used for a procedure done on both sides in one operation, so it gets the bilateral modifier. That makes the pair with the surgical code -50. The office visit code is an evaluation and management service, and the encounter resulted in a surgical decision, so it gets the modifier that indicates a decision for surgery. That makes the pair with the E/M code -57. Together, these modifiers properly convey a bilateral surgical repair and the surgical decision linked to the visit. Other modifiers aren’t appropriate here because they describe different situations (distinct procedures, professional vs technical components) that don’t match this entry.