Forum - Questions & Answers
Attempted Removal of Foreign Body
Good Morning:
Looking for feedback on how other coders would code this scenario:
After the area was cleansed and prepped 2% Xylocaine with epinephrine was infused. A 1.0 cm incision was made. A small track was discovered but no foreign body was removed. There was no pus or increased bleeding. The area was probed and palpated multiple times with no foreign body felt.
Incision was closed with 3 4-0 nylon sutures
Again, attempted removal of foreign body with no foreign body discovered.
Should I code with 10120 with a 52 modifier?
Thank you.
re: Attempted Removal of Foreign Body
10120 would be the correct code, however due to the fact that there was no foreign body discovered, the service was reduced. using modifier 52 provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service.