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Wiki Assist to Surgery

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bmeech

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East Gull Lake, MN
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Just wondering what everyone's thoughts are..., We use Assist (80 or AS) on the sx that allow for this assistance. My questions is when there are several procedures performed on 1 sx session, (Ex: shoulders or Feet) and the assist was there for the entire procedure, would we add the assist modifier to each procedure or only to the 1st procedure? Also I have read that the physician should document exactly what the Assist was needed for and what they did. Do you have the assist dictate a separate note, since they basically do the same thing each time they assist on the same procedures over and over again so could you have a marow for that?

Brenda M. CPC
 
For each procedure that warrants (<---key term) an assistant, you would append the appropriate modifier. The surgeon will dictate the operative note for his/her services as well as the role of the assistant. The need for the assistant and the role of his/her services can often justify medical necessity in the event of a denial for the assistant.
 
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