Wiki AS versus 80 please help

[heart123]

cpt 20680 you cannot use AS modifier
but you can use 80 modifier
question is the
assistant surgeon is not a PA this is NOT medicare
can i use an 80 modifier???
thanks

 

[csperoni]

1) I don't know where you are seeing 20680 cannot have -AS modifier. Both Supercoder and my 2020 CPT expert list both -AS and -80 as valid modifiers.
2) -AS is specifically for PA, NP or clinical nurse specialist assisting at surgery. You indicate the assistant surgeon is not a PA, but do not specify their credentials.
If the assist is a PA, NP or clinical nurse specialist, use -AS. If the assist is a physician (MD, DO, MBBS), use -80.