Wiki Termed procedure

[AKEISTER]

Doctor was preforming a Yag Cap laser on a patient, he was 3/4 the way through the procedure when the laser broke, shouldn't this be billed as a terminated procedure. It is documented in the record that the machine broke. The physican wants to bill this out without 53 modifer, but I am saying the documentation will not support, Any thoughts? Thanks

 

[cmcgarry]

I would use the 53 modifier, as the procedure was not completed. As you state, the documentation shows that it was discontinued.