CommercialAdministrativeMedium impact
Coding for bilateral services
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI · Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, General Surgery +4 more·Physician / Facility
Effective date
Jan 1, 2020
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
BCBSRI has clarified billing requirements for bilateral services: use modifier 50 on a single line for bilateral procedures, or use RT/LT modifiers on two separate lines. This affects how bilateral claims must be formatted when submitting to BCBS of Rhode Island.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team must ensure BCBSRI claims with bilateral services are submitted correctly - either use modifier 50 on one line OR use RT and LT modifiers on two separate lines. Update billing software rules and staff training to reflect proper claim formatting for bilateral procedures to prevent claim rejections.