Wiki Question regarding a Failed Bilaterial Thoracentesis

[JessicaSlone]

I have a situation that I was wondering if I could get some assistance in coding.

Patient was brought in for a Bilateral Thoracentesis. The left side was successful but the right, according to the ultrasound, did not have enough fluid to justify the procedure.

Can I code this as 32555 lt and 76604 59(I'm facility) ?

 

[Pam Warren]

Did they insert the needle into the right side and attempt the procedure? If so, bill it with the -RT-52 modifier for reduced service. If the decision was made to not evacuate the fluid based on the US, then you'd bill only the one side.

 

[JessicaSlone]

Did they insert the needle into the right side and attempt the procedure? If so, bill it with the -RT-52 modifier for reduced service. If the decision was made to not evacuate the fluid based on the US, then you'd bill only the one side.

Thank you very much!