Ask Dr. Z

Our Interventional Radiologist has requested a clarification on the correct way to bill for the following procedure. The patient has an order for a paracentesis. The process when the patient arrives is to do a prescan ultrasound to make sure there is enough fluid. When it is determined that there is not enough fluid to perform the paracentesis the patient is sent home. Is it appropriate to bill for the paracentesis with the modifier of -73 showing it was cancelled before sedation OR would it be billed as a limited ultrasound. If we bill for the limited ultrasound is the outpatient order for the paracentesis sufficienct or should there be a new order for a limited ultrasound by the radiologist? Thank you for your assistance.