I am looking for any information on using the modifier 23 for surgery codes that are normally not done with general anesthesia but with local (for example 10120-10121) and this was done in out patient setting at hospital due to patient’s age & health issues he put patient to sleep. Could modifier 23 be used since the documentation states why he put the patient to sleep instead of doing it in the office setting? I have looked online and BCBS in several states only recognizes modifier 23 with anesthesia codes. But I have found others who used the modifier giving examples of other types of surgery procedures and not anesthesia only charges. Any information on where to find this answer would be very helpful for me in the future.

Thanks in advance for help!