tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2009 Issue 12

You Be the Coder: Which Modifier for Failed Central Line Insertion?

Question: My doctor attempted placing a central line on the left side. This was not successful. He then switched to the right side. Would you code the first attempt with a modifier 52 or modifier 53? New York Subscriber Answer: The exact right coding for the failed attempt might depend on the documentation. Option 1: First, consider using modifier 52 (Reduced services) on the first attempt (left side) for the central line placement. Option 2: Or, consider adding a modifier 22 (Increased procedural services) to the right side placement to capture payment for the additional work involved since the...

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