Ask Dr. Z

Hi Dr Z, This is for HOPPS. Can we code/charge for supplies related to an attempted embolization? We appended modifier -52 to the embolization code. The radiologist's dictation states: Following the diagnostic arteriogram, and through a left internal carotid artery approach, a single lumen occlusion balloon catheter was introduced in the inferior division of the left middle cerebral artery across the neck of the aneurysm. A microcatheter was then maneuvered in the fundus of the aneurysm. Multiple attempts to embolize aneurysm with platinum coils using the balloon-assisted technique proved to be unsuccessful due to the shallow nature of the aneurysm and to the tortuosity of the cervical segments of the left internal carotid artery. The endovascular procedure was then aborted without any complications. The post-treatment left internal carotid arteriogram showed no branch occlusion or other intraluminal filling defects. Thank you for your help!