You Be the Coder: Apply Either Modifier 51 or 59 In This Essure Scenario

Question: The doctor stopped the Essure procedure he was performing in our office. According to his documentation, he couldn't visualize due to uterine distention. He said that he did a diagnostic hysteroscopy and then ended up inserting a ParaGuard. He also said that nothing he did for the Essure procedure would be included in the ParaGuard. I've checked the Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) edits, and they are not bundled. How should I report this? Should I apply modifier 53?

Kentucky Subscriber

Answer: At best, you can report 58565-52 (Hysteroscopy, surgical; with bilateral fallopian tube cannulation to induce occlusion by placement of permanent [...]

- Published on 2011-10-04