Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) Practice Exam

In coding for a bronchoscopy transbronchial biopsy, the bilateral aspect is denoted by adding modifier -50. This modifier indicates that a procedure was performed on both sides of the body, which is essential for capturing the full scope of the medical service provided. In the context of bronchoscopy, if the procedure is conducted on both lungs, specifying that it's bilateral ensures accurate representation of the services rendered and appropriate reimbursement.

Modifier -50 is commonly used in various procedural codes to communicate that the procedure was bilateral, which can be significant for both clinical documentation and billing purposes. It provides clarity that the procedure was not just performed unilaterally but rather involved both sides, making it an important component in coding practices.

The other choices, such as specific codes or a separate procedure code, would not appropriately denote the bilateral nature of the process in this instance. Therefore, the application of modifier -50 is the correct method to indicate that both sides were involved in the bronchoscopy transbronchial biopsy.