Wiki Modifier 73 - discontinue surgery

[ljones2705]

I bill for an Ophthalmic ASC. We have had to discontinue surgery on several of our patients for various reasons. We want to bill Medicare for these procedures using a 73 modifier. Our patient has been prepped, IV, put on bed, but not taken in to the OR room and then the surgery is cancelled, can we bill with a 73 modifier? Lori

 

[mitchellde]

No to use the 73 modifier the patient must be in the room where the procedure is to be performed when he decision to discontinue is made.

 

[ljones2705]

Modifier 73

Thank you. That is what I thought but wanted to verify it. Lori