Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Question: Our gastroenterologist attempted polyp removal using a hot snare. However, the procedure was stopped midway and resection was not possible. Can I code this with 43239 with modifier 52 appended?California SubscriberAnswer: Since your gastroenterologist attempted polyp removal using a snare, you cannot code it with 43239 (Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy including esophagus, stomach, and either the duodenum and/or jejunum as appropriate; with biopsy, single or multiple). Instead, you need to code it with 43251 (Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy including esophagus, stomach, and either the duodenum and/or jejunum as appropriate; with removal of tumor[s], polyp[s], or other lesion[s] by snare technique).Modifier 52 (Reduced services) is appended for a procedure that has been partially eliminated or reduced. It is not an appropriate modifier for a discontinued procedure. When a procedure is discontinued because of any extenuating circumstances that might be detrimental to the patient's well being, you should use the modifier 53 (Discontinued [...]