tsuekeyes
Contributor
Here is the situtation: the patient presented to the office for removal of a forgin body. An x-ray reveals that the forgin body is 1.5 to 2 inches into the soft tissue. The area is marked, local anesthesia was administered, and the skin and surrounding tissue cleaned. At this point the patient changed his mind and did not wish to continue with the procedure. The anestesia wounds were bandaged and the patient dressed and left the office.
My question is which modifer to append to the procedure code?
52: Reduced Services doesn't feel right as all of the prep work was done and I feel like I'm jipping the physician.
53: Discontinued Procedure doesn't quite fit because the difinitition states "Under certain circumstances, the physician may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. Due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient..."
Any advise?
Thank you
Tammy Sue Keyes
Fort Collins, Colorado
My question is which modifer to append to the procedure code?
52: Reduced Services doesn't feel right as all of the prep work was done and I feel like I'm jipping the physician.
53: Discontinued Procedure doesn't quite fit because the difinitition states "Under certain circumstances, the physician may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. Due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient..."
Any advise?
Thank you
Tammy Sue Keyes
Fort Collins, Colorado