When performing an endoscopy on a patient who is scheduled and prepped for a total colonoscopy, if the physician is unable to advance the scope beyond the splenic flexure due to unforeseen circumstances, modifier _______ is appended to the colonoscopy code.

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Modifier 53 is used to indicate a procedure that is discontinued after it has started due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient. In this case, if the scope cannot be advanced beyond the splenic flexure, the procedure is not completed as intended, and modifier 53 is appropriate to reflect this.

When Performing an Endoscopy on a Patient Who Is Scheduled