APR 24, 2018
Billing for Emergency Cancellation of Surgery
Question: We saw a patient in our ASC for surgery. During the preoperative administration of medication, his hypertension presented a complication where we couldn't get his blood pressure under control. Instead of surgery, we had to send him to the emergency department. Can the facility submit for the surgery even though it did not take place?
Answer: The ASC can bill with modifiers that are specific for out-patient facilities:
-73 when discontinued prior to administration of anesthesia; or
-74 after administration of anesthesia
There is nothing for the surgeon to bill.
Learn more about modifiers in Ophthalmic Coding: Learn to Code the Essentials and 1-Hour Coding Course: Modifiers Made Easy – Your Guide to Correct Coverage.