Wiki 29881 (82)

[maryawinfield04]

I'm billing a 29881 (arthroscopy w/meniscectomy) with an 82 modifier for the pa. We are a teaching hospital and according to the guidelines i can use an 82 modifier with this procedure as long as there is documentation to support it. The rejection that i'm getting is invalid modifier for asst surgeon,once primary surgeon performs procedure the modifier 82 shouldn't be attached. Can someone verify or help me with this issue?

Thanks

mary

 

[jdemar]

just an FYI sometimes we have to use both 82 with an AS depending on the insurance specific guidelines, likewise 80, AS or just AS alone, but my first thought is does the operative note justify the use of the assistant, how difficult was the scope case that the physician needed an assistant?

 

[maryawinfield04]

this particular patient has UnitedHealthcare and I think I will append it with the AS modifier to see if that works.

Thank You