Wiki PA and assistant surgeon modifer

[ChrissyMiodrag]

Can the Assistant Surgeon modifer (80 or AS) be used with a PA is assisting?
Thank you
Chrissy

 

[RebeccaWoodward*]

You'll receive many different responses on this. This will be region/carrier specific. Our region requires AS for PA's and 80 for Medicaid.

 

[pamtienter]

The AS modifier is used for assistants-at-surgery that are non-physician practitioners, such as Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners or Clinical Nurse Specialists. The 80, 81 and 82 modifiers are for physicians.

 

[mbort]

I use AS for my PA's, 80 for surgeons, and I use the 81 for my SA.

 

[ChrissyMiodrag]

do you reduce your fee when using this modifier?

 

[RebeccaWoodward*]

Yes...

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/manuals/Downloads/clm104c12.pdf

20.4.3

For our purpose, it is set within the standards of our practice. The above link is the payment for a assistant surgeon. You can use this as a guide.

 

[LLovett]

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ContractorLearningResources/downloads/JA6123.pdf

According to this you need to use both 80 and AS.

Laura, CPC

 

[RebeccaWoodward*]

This link has some very good information regarding modifier AS and the reimbursement rate.

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/70_APNPA.asp

Select the "Advanced Practice Nursing/Physician Assistant Power Point Presentation" (Bottom of page)
Select the last icon PA

Pages 12 and 14 answer your questions.

 

[amanda23]

We use -AS and -81 for our PA surgical assist's (depending on the payor). And we only use -80 for MD surgical assists. Hope this helps.