colonoscopy

Hello the dr I work for is having some coding complications. If a patient is scheduled for a colonoscopy and they show up for the procedure but for some reason the patient cannot continue the procedure due to anesthesia, can the dr still bill for this procedure and what codes can he use? thanks

Sep 23rd, 2011 - km71 1

re: colonoscopy

Patient did not undergo the procedure, doctor did not perform the procedure, therefore he can not charge the patient for the procedure.

Sep 26th, 2011 -

re: colonoscopy

Was the procedure discontinued or cancelled before the patient was on the table?

Sep 26th, 2011 - mkizewski 2

re: colonoscopy

If the physician begins the procedure and must stop the procedure you may bill for the procedure using the colonoscopy only code 45378 with 53 modifier. Be aware that some insurance companies may deny and you will need to appeal with the op report.

Sep 28th, 2011 - Codapedia Editor 1,399

re: colonoscopy: unable to complete

There is a terrific article in Codapedia ,written by Seth Canterbury (thank you again, Seth) on discontinued procedures. If the procedure was never begun, you don't bill for it. But, read his description of modifier 53 and see if that fits your situation.

http://codapedia.com/article_242_Modifier-52-vs-53.cfm

Oct 13th, 2011 - gastro123456 1

re: colonoscopy: unable to complete

thank you.