MAY 24, 2022
Discontinued Cataract/MIGS surgery
Our physician was performing a cataract extraction with IOL and iStent (CPT 66991). they were able to perform the cataract extraction and placement of the IOL but were unable to insert the iStent into the canal after several attempts. They stopped at that point of the procedure. How would we code this surgery?
When the IOL has successfully been placed but the iStent is unsuccessful after several attempts the physician would bill 66991 with modifier -53, discontinued procedure. The surgery center would then be able to bill with modifier -74 and hopefully get paid for the device.
Document a concise statement that explains why it was medically necessary to discontinue, as well as any supporting information. Enter your statement in item 19 of the CMS-1500, or electronic equivalent.