Ask Dr. Z

Our physician has handed in his billing and indicated a -52 modifier. I have looked through some old threads, and I am still on the fence if the documentation for not ablating the right side is sufficient or if we should append the -52 modifier.

"The right superior pulmonary vein was entered. Pacing from the circular mapping catheter at the level of the ostium did not capture the phrenic nerve. The right inferior pulmonary vein was then entered next. Pacing from the circular mapping catheter to the level of the ostium also did not capture the phrenic nerve."