Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) — Question 162

A patient develops difficulty during surgery and the physician discontinues the procedure. Identify the modifier that may be reported by the physician to indicate that the procedure was discontinued.

Answer options

• A. -52
• B. -53
• C. -73
• D. -74

Correct answer: B

Explanation

Modifier -53 is specifically used to indicate that a procedure was discontinued due to complications or other circumstances that arise during surgery. Modifier -52 indicates a reduced service, while -73 and -74 pertain to procedures that are canceled prior to anesthesia or after anesthesia, respectively, and are not applicable in this case.