tci Part B Insider - 2006 Issue 4

UROLOGY: READER QUESTION--Forgo Modifier Use When A Sedated Patient Cancels A Procedure

Question: A patient scheduled for an outpatient cystoscopic procedure was in the outpatient surgery suite under sedation. But before the urologist started the procedure, the patient changed his mind, and the physician discharged him. Would it be appropriate to code this canceled procedure with modifier 73? Indiana SubscriberAnswer: No, modifier 73 (Discontinued outpatient hospital/ ambulatory surgery center [ASC] procedure prior to the administration of anesthesia) isn't appropriate in this case, says Michael A. Ferragamo, MD, FACS, clinical assistant professor of urology.CPT says: Modifier 73 requires the physician's decision to cancel the procedure "due to extenuating circumstances or those...

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