Wiki Attempted EGD

[bgarofalo]

How do I code an attempted EGD?

My physician attempted an egd on a patient with primary tongue CA who had multiple therapies including ratiation and surgery. He was unable to advance the scope throuth the UES due to either a radiation stricture or an exclusion.

 

[j.berkshire]

This is a classic example of the use of modifier -53 (discontinued procedure...due to extenuating circumstances it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started, but discontinued.) I would bill this with 43235-53.

 

[bgarofalo]

Thanks. We use -53 for incomplete colonoscopy but I haven't seen an incomplete egd.