Which of the following best describes a "bilateral procedure" in CPT coding?

A bilateral procedure in CPT coding refers specifically to a procedure that is performed on both sides of the body. This classification is important because it affects how charges are documented and how reimbursement is processed. In surgical coding, identifying that a procedure is bilateral can lead to the application of specific codes and potential modifiers that indicate the work done was on both sides concurrently, thus affecting the overall billing and reimbursement for the procedure.

In the context of the other options, a procedure performed on one side of the body would not meet the criteria for bilateral designation, as it solely involves one side. The concept of a procedure that must be repeated does not inherently relate to bilateral procedures, as bilateral procedures are not about repetition but about the anatomical locations involved. Similarly, while some procedures may require special tools, this is not a defining characteristic of a bilateral procedure; the focus is specifically on the sides of the body where the procedure is performed. Therefore, the distinguishing feature of a bilateral procedure is its execution on both sides, which is correctly identified in the chosen answer.