Wiki Attempted procedures

[pedscoder21]

Hi,

I have a couple of scenarios with questions:

1) Patient presents with nursemaid's elbow. Physician documents, "attempted nursemaid's elbow reduction; after 5 minutes the patient continues to keep left arm at side and elbow extended; referral to orthopedics." The physician billed 24640...is this appropriate with modifier 53?

2) Patient presents with impacted cerumen. Physician documents, "attempted cerumen removal with curette; ear canal began to bleed so I decided to refer the patient to otolaryngology." Can you bill 69210 with modifier 53?

Thanks in advance

 

[pedscoder21]

Any help?

 

[krisw7067]

attempted procedures

Yes mod. 53 would work. Have physician document why they discontinued procedure. If it was due to health of patient that would be 52.

 

[pedscoder21]

Yes mod. 53 would work. Have physician document why they discontinued procedure. If it was due to health of patient that would be 52.

Thank you very much!