tci Part B Insider - 2005 Issue 41

ONCOLOGY: Don't Let 2 Operating Surgeons Cloud Your Judgement

Use modifier 80--not 62--to report an assistant surgeonYou know some surgical procedures require two surgeons, but do you know how to correctly code these situations for Medicare beneficiaries? Here are two examples of surgical oncology procedures that show you how--and when--to use modifiers 62 and 80. Coding For Co-Pilots According to the American Medical Association guidelines, two surgeons must perform "distinct components" of a single identifiable CPT procedure to qualify as co-surgeons.Example: A surgical oncologist performs a proctectomy and colostomy, while a urologist performs a cystectomy and ureteral transplantations during a pelvic exenteration.Solution: You don't need multiple...

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