Wiki Mod -52 vs. -53

[mad_one80]

Hi I have a doctor that attempted an unsuccessful PICC placement on a patient due to tortous veins.....do i code with modifier -52 or -53?

The doctor preped and cannulated the vein, then inserted the wire for the PICC cath but it wasn't able to advance....

 

[FTessaBartels]

53 discontinued service

I was taught that you use the -52 modifier only when you PLANNED to do less than the full procedure.

If you unable to complete a procedure after beginning it (when you had planned to do the entire procedure), you use the -53 modifier.

In your scenario, I'd use a -53 modifier.

F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC