Wiki Attempted IUD placement- Bill for IUD device?

[desireewhite185@yahoo.com]

Hello,
I have been reading through the posts for attempted IUD placements, but I couldn't find an exact answer. Our doctor tried to place the IUD and could not due to patient's uterus. My question is if I can bill for the IUD device? My thought was No as she did not leave with one. But looking online some answers said to first bill the insurance and then if denied ask the manufacturer for a replacement. There was a forum that said to add modifier JW to the device- showing it was "wasted". Thank you for your clarification!

 

[mmckibbin]

At our office it depends on the situation. If the device fails we get the manufacturer to replace the device. If it was the patients “fault” we couldn’t use the device we bill the insertion with a -52 modifier and bill the device.

 

[nielynco]

At our office it depends on the situation. If the device fails we get the manufacturer to replace the device. If it was the patients “fault” we couldn’t use the device we bill the insertion with a -52 modifier and bill the device.

I would be interested in knowing what you consider the patient's "fault". If it can't be placed due to patient anatomy I would consider it to be provider error as the provider should have done an exam prior to insertion to ensure success. If it was inserted and the patient decides she does not like it and wants if taken out, then yes, bill for the device. If it falls out after she leaves the office - again provider error, not patient's fault.