AAPC Exam CPC Topic 4 Question 46 Discussion

Modifier 53 is used to report a discontinued procedure. It indicates that a procedure was started but terminated due to the patient's well-being being at risk. In this scenario, the percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty was attempted but stopped because of an anatomical problem that created a risk for the patient, preventing the completion of the procedure. Reference: AMA's CPT Professional Edition, coding guidelines on the use of modifiers.