Wiki Unsuccessful Procedure?

[MSimmons89]

In billing for a cervical epidural (62310); our MD could not get to the epidural space. Is there a way I can still bill for the attempt even though it was not successful? Note: This is being billed to a patients medpay for an auto accident. Any help would be VERY appreciated!

 

[jmcpolin]

did the needle puncture the skin? I would think you could bill it with a 53 modifier.

 

[Jennercoder]

-53 modifier

I agree. If not even minimally successful in getting into epidural space, -53 makes sense

 

[MSimmons89]

Thanks!

It did puncture the skin but we could not get to the space. I am not familiar with the -53 modifier for an epidural because this is the first time we have not been successful. I will definitely use that though, thank you so much for your help!!!