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CMS clarification leads to more confusion over bilateral indicator for new HCPCS code

A July 2018 update to the OPPS clarifies that coders can report HCPCS code C9749 for an inherently bilateral procedure with modifiers -73 or -74 to indicate that the procedure was unilateral. Debbie Mackaman, RHIA, CPCO, CCDS, unpacks this seemingly contradictory guidance and addresses implications for coding and billing professionals.

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