Which modifier should be used to indicate a professional service has been discontinued prior to completion?

• A. -53
• B. -52
• C. -54
• D. -51

Answer: (A)

When a professional service is begun but not finished, use the Discontinued procedure modifier. This signals that the procedure was started but the remainder could not be completed, and you bill for the portion actually performed with this modifier attached to the CPT code.

The other modifiers don’t fit this situation: Reduced services is for when a service is partially performed but still has some extent of work completed, not a complete stoppage. Surgical care only applies when the surgeon’s work is separated from postoperative care by another provider, not to an abandonment of a procedure. Multiple procedures covers performing more than one procedure in the same session, which isn’t about stopping a single service early.