Wiki CPT code for "Attempt to remove internal scar tissue from previous neck surgery"

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Orthopedic Spine Surgeon tried to perform a Total Disk Replacement at C5-6, but due to excessive scar tissue from a previous surgery at C3-4, the level C5-6 could not be reached. Doc wants to bill for the "Attempt" and I am not coming up with anything helpful. It was an open procedure and he was simply trying to gain access to C5-6, and would like to be reimbursed for something.

** I may have found an answer: Code the intended procedure (22856-TDR) but with the modifier (52) ... can anyone verify??
 
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In my experience, submitting a surgery with modifier 52, will reduce the allowed amount by 25%, and a discontinued procedure modifier 53 would reduce the amount by 50%. I would probably not submit either of these on this surgical code based on the information you provided above, it just seems like the surgeon would be getting too much reimbursement for the amount of "work" that was had done. I've also heard of insurance companies adjusting allowance based on the percentage of the intended procedure that was completed, so the report should definitely be specific about the amount of time spent and what was accomplished before he decided to not complete the surgery
 
It depends on the documentation in the op report. Was there anything else done during the case? How far did the provider get in the case?
You would code the intended CPT with modifier 52. It will require submission of records and a very detailed report explaining.
52 info: https://palmettogba.com/palmetto/jmb.nsf/DIDC/8HKT225577~Claims~Modifier Lookup
53 info : https://palmettogba.com/palmetto/JMB.nsf/DIDC/8EELF98874~Claims~Modifier Lookup

 
Thank you for the responses ~ I am going to proceed with the normal CPT with Mod. 52 and changing the typical charge at a very reduced rate since he was not able to accomplish what was intended.
I appreciate the links as well and have saved for future reference but I feel good about where to go from here.
 
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