Discontinued Services

A pediatrician attempted to insert a cv line on the right side and failed. He then moved to the ledt side and was successful. the provider wants to bill for both procedures with the modifier 53 on the right. We contend that the most extensive procedure should be billed. Who is right??? Lynn Kimsey, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CEMC

re: Discontinued Services

Sounds like the same thing would end up being billed twice, one having the mod. My opinion only bill the completed procedure. Now if it was a different procedure code/surgery that failed then I would bill both and use the mod53.

re: Discontinued Services

I would only bill for what was done. And that would be the left side. Now if he took any pics on the other side I do believe you can bill for that.