Wiki Bone Marrow Aspiration (Dry Tap)

[YesicaRuedas]

Hi All,

I would like to know what is everybody billing when a bone marrow aspiration is performed but theirs a dry tap. In other words their was nothing collected. Would you add any modifiers?

Please advice.

Thanks,
Yesica

 

[SThebarge]

Dry Tap BM Aspiration

We add modifier 53, but in most cases the service denies. We then submit an appeal with documentation of the procedure note. This is usually sufficient for them to pay.

 

[mitchellde]

If the bone marrow aspirate was completed per the procedure parameters then you code the procedure with no modifier. The fact that no specimen was obtained does not change the fact that the procedure was performed with all the required elements. There is a CPT assistant from several years ago on this subject.

 

[wbradhoward]

think that Debra is correct above - procedure not discontinued or reduced at provider's direction, just unsuccessful. Code without modifier.