Wiki Attempted Suture Repair-unsuccessful

[jbtrueba]

I code for ER physicians in which I have a chart that states after giving a digital block he attempted to suture skin, but would not approximate so he just put antibiotic ointment on it and a bandage. Would the repair be coded with a 52 modifier or would it be more appropriate to not code for the repair and just code for the digital block?

Thank you!

 

[poonamsawant]

Attempted suture repair

Hi,

To code a suture repair along with mod.53 is more appropriate.

Regards,
Dr. Poonam

 

[jbtrueba]

I didn't even think to use that modifier. Thank you!