Remember to Report the Same CPT® Codes for Modifier 62
Question: I am new to orthopedic coding and our providers have started working together on spinal cord stimulator (SCS) implants. One orthopedic surgeon performs laminectomy for implantation of neurostimulator paddles and reports 63655. A pain management provider places the SCS generator, coded to 63685. Both providers are telling us there should be one op note for each part of the SCS implant procedure. Since both providers are performing separate tasks with different CPT® codes during the surgery, do they need separate op notes or does one suffice? Are they considered co-surgeons, and if so, should they each have a claim submitted with modifier 62 appended? Arizona Subscriber Answer: Your situation does not call for appending modifier 62 (Two surgeons) to 63655 (Laminectomy for implantation of neurostimulator electrodes, plate/paddle, epidural) and 63685 (Insertion or replacement of spinal neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver, requiring pocket creation and connection between electrode array and pulse generator or receiver) for the providers. If they want to append modifier 62 to the codes, they would’ve needed to report and been co-surgeons on the exact same CPT® codes. By performing two different procedures, they are not considered co-surgeons and modifier 62 is not appropriate. According to the CPT® guidelines for modifier 62, “Each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code.” For your situation, the providers will dictate their parts of the procedure separately. Then, you’ll bill the two providers separately with the appropriate CPT® codes and no modifier 62. If they are performing different procedures, they should bill independently, each using the procedure code that reflects their service. Mike Shaughnessy, BA, CPC, Development Editor, AAPC
