Discontinued procedure

Hello,


I have a question-- a Physician attempted an endarterectomy, attempts were made to cannulate with a Seldinger needle and place a sheath but he was unable to get anything across the proximal superficial femoral artery, so that portion was then discontinued. It was then decided to do a bypass graft. Would you code for the endarterectomy with a modifier 53 or just code for the bypass graft?

The Physician coded 35371 and 35656 no modifier.

Thanks!

discontinued

If significant work was documented for the endarterectomy, modifier 53 may be appropriate. If not, only code the successful procedure. Another way is to put modifier 22 on the bypass code. Modifier 22 or 53 will require a review and documentation should be submitted.

Discontinued procedure

So then, you wouldn't code/bill for both?