One of our physicians attempted a hysteroscopic dilatation and curettage (D&C), but several attempts at cervical dilation were unsuccessful. The physician abandoned the procedure and proceeded with a traditional D&C. Should we use the code 58558 with the modifier-53, plus the code 58120?
A
There are 2 problems with your suggested coding. First, the code 58120 (D&C) is included in the code 58558 (hysteroscopy, surgical; with sampling [biopsy] of endometrium and/or polypectomy, with or without D&C) and would likely be denied by the payer as a bundled service. Second, the modifier-53 is used only when a procedure is completely stopped due to the patient’s condition, e.g., fall in blood pressure, and she is sent home or to the recovery room.
