Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

In addition to asking "Why did the physician halt the service?" consider these two questions when selecting between modifiers -52 (Reduced services) and -53 (Discontinued procedure). Did the patient receive anesthesia (if applicable) prior to the discontinuance of the procedure? If no, choose modifier -52. If yes, choose modifier -53. Did the patient receive any benefit from the "partial" procedure? If yes, select modifier -52. If no, select modifier -53.