Wiki HELP...Attempted Scan

[tvaughn]

I code for an Anesthesia group and I have a case that was documented "attempted renal scan cancelled" with DX renal mass...as far as I know we cant code for an attempted procedure but the Dr documented times on this case so im thinking he wants us to bill for his time spent with the patient. any ideas as to what I should bill for???

 

[hgolfos]

Was the case cancelled prior to or after induction of anesthesia? If prior to, you may be able to bill an e/m if the patient wasn't rescheduled. Make sure you have the documentation to support the E/M code you choose. If after induction, bill the procedure code plus time. We always add a procedure not carried out diagnosis to these, such as V64.1.

In general we have found that most of our payers do not accept the 53 modifier (discontinued procedure) with anesthesia codes, but you should check with the payer to find out if they require it.

Hope this helps,

H Golfos, CPC, CANPC

 

[tvaughn]

Thank you for helping me with this