Wiki Would i use a modifier for this case?

[NJcoder]

Pat. had planed Hysteroscope, D&C for sterilization..was attempted but failed then converted to Laparoscopic B/L tubal ligation with falope-ring...

would i code both cpt codes and use a modifier for the failed procedure? if so, which one? thanks.

 

[AuntJoyce]

Don't quote me - I have no reference material in front of me at this moment but I believe that the heirarchy is that if you set out to perform a procedure and it has to be converted, you would then only capture the charge for the completed procedure...

Joyce

 

[NJcoder]

oh, thanks. i was thinking that the original procedure that failed would be coded with modifier 52 (reduced services)?

 

[LTibbetts]

Joyce is correct. Only code the surgery that it was converted to

 

[NJcoder]

Ok..then when is modifier 52 applied? thanks