Wiki Modifier 62 Co-Surgeons

[phillirk]

There are 2 orthopaedic surgeons who are going to be co-surgeons (Modifier 62) for CPT 22548. The CPT books states co-surgeons are allowed on this code. Normally when assistant surgeons (Modifier 80) for other types of surgeries are used, the primary physician only educates the family by telling them who the assistant surgeon will be and the assistant doesn’t see the patient. Does the co-surgeon have to physically see the patient prior to the surgery? What are the compliance and ethical issues involved? What steps need to be taken?

My surgeon would like documentation, if possible.

Thank you.

 

[LLynn29]

My understanding is that when our Dr's use a co-surgeon, the co-surgeon sees the patient in the holding room prior to surgery.
Your hospital's legal department might be able to get your ethical and compliance questions answered.

 

[dcorkum]

modifier 62

Is it possible for 2 orthopedic surgeons, doing a discectomy, each doing some part of the surgery, can they use modifier 62 or is it the
the primary doctor only that can bill for surgery, what documentation must be done for them to both bill

thanks
donna