Hartmann or Partial Colectomy

Question:

My surgeon performed all the components of a Hartmann procedure 44143 but did not create a colostomy. Can we use 44143 with a -52 modifier?

Answer:

The correct code for this procedure would be 44140. Code 44140 is the base code for 44143 with the only difference being a skin level colostomy, so it would be inappropriate to code 44143-52 as there is an established code already in place.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 8/6/20.