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AAPC Exam CPC Topic 4 Question 46 Discussion

Actual exam question for AAPC's CPC exam
Question #: 46
Topic #: 4
[All CPC Questions]

A cardiologist attempted to perform a percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty of a totally occluded blood vessel. The surgeon stopped the procedure because of an anatomical problem creating risk for the patient and preventing performance of the catheterization.

What modifier is appended to the procedure code?

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Suggested Answer: B

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.


by Nikita at Apr 08, 2025, 12:26 PM

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Naulen
2 months ago
Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty seems to be a common topic in the exam. Just wanted to ask—do they usually focus on the steps, benefits, or complications?
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Moon
3 months ago
Ha, I bet the cardiologist was like, 'Nope, nope, nope, not doing that!' When they had to stop the procedure. B) 53 all the way, folks.
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Ryan
3 months ago
Hmm, this is a tricky one. I'm going to go with B) 53. It just seems like the most logical choice given the scenario.
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Mila
2 months ago
I agree with you, D) 76 makes sense in this case. It indicates a repeat procedure that was discontinued for a specific reason.
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Edelmira
2 months ago
I'm not sure about that. I would go with D) 76. It seems like the most appropriate modifier for this situation.
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Tawna
2 months ago
I think it might be C) 54. That modifier is usually used for surgical care that is discontinued due to extenuating circumstances.
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Britt
3 months ago
Definitely B) 53. The surgeon had to stop the procedure because of a risk to the patient, and that's exactly when you use the 53 modifier.
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Doug
2 months ago
Using the correct modifier ensures accurate coding and billing for the procedure.
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Kallie
2 months ago
It's important to document the reason why the procedure was stopped with the 53 modifier.
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Lyda
3 months ago
I agree, the 53 modifier is used when a procedure is discontinued due to extenuating circumstances.
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Rodrigo
3 months ago
That makes sense, but I still think it's modifier 53 since the surgeon stopped the procedure due to an anatomical problem.
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Glennis
4 months ago
I disagree, I believe it should be modifier 52 because the procedure was partially completed.
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Craig
4 months ago
I think the correct answer is B) 53. The procedure was stopped due to an anatomical problem, and that's what the 53 modifier is used for.
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France
3 months ago
No, the correct answer is B) 53. The 53 modifier is specifically for procedures that are discontinued due to an anatomical problem.
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Alberto
3 months ago
I think it's actually the 76 modifier that should be appended to the procedure code.
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Kati
3 months ago
I agree, the 53 modifier is used when a procedure is discontinued due to extenuating circumstances.
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Rodrigo
4 months ago
I think the modifier appended to the procedure code is 53.
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