tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2001 Issue 3

Reader Question: Bail-out Cholangiogram Requires Modifier -53

Question: Our surgeon performed a laparoscopic cholecystectomy and, in the process, made multiple attempts to obtain a cholangiogram. Eventually, he abandoned the cholangiogram attempt. The attempted cholangiogram, however, was more work than the cholecystectomy. Can I receive payment for the surgeons additional work?New York SubscriberAnswer: Typically, says Susan Callaway, CPC, CCS-P, an independent coding and reimbursement specialist and educator in North Augusta, S.C., surgeons cant bill when they bail out on a procedure. She suggests, however, that in this case modifier -53 (discontinued procedure) could be appended to the attempted cholangiogram (47563). Documentation that clearly explains why...

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