Wiki Modifier 52 or 53??

[bbeatty]

Pt presents for colon. Dr. gets 15 cm from the rectum and finds a large tumor that cannot be traversed. Procedure is ended. Do I use a 52 or 53 modifier?

 

[scorrado]

If the patient has Medicare use 53. If they have any other insurance use 52.

 

[FTessaBartels]

53 modifier - discontinued

I would use the 53 modifier to denote a discontinued procedure. Physician had every intention of performing a complete colonoscopy, but had to discontinue the procedure for indicated reason.

Hope that helps.

F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC

 

[Sephardic]

I would use 53 as well for all insurances. I think it used to be that CMS wanted 53 and commercial would use 52, but the CPT book has a new heading before the colonoscopy section that states for patients scheduled for a colonoscopy and the scope is unable to go past the splenic flexure due to unforeseen circumstances append a modifier 53.