Wiki Co-Surgeons?

[dballard2004]

Quick question please on the use of modifier 62 for co-surgeons specifically as it relates to plastics.... if two plastic surgeons of the same specialty are performing a breast procedure simultaneously, one on the left breast and one on the right breast (same procedure) how is this coded? Would it be ...

1xxxx LT (surgeon one)
1xxxx RT (surgeon two)

or

1xxxx 62 LT (surgeon one)
1xxxx 62 RT (surgeon two)

The issue seems to be the definition of co-surgeons. The surgeons are under the impression that in the above scenario, they would not bill this as co-surgeons, but each surgeons bills their piece as primary (as in the first example). I say this is indeed co-surgeons and modifier 62 should be used. Also, can you be co-surgeons in the same specialty?

Thanks.

 

[Pam Warren]

You can be co-surgeons in the same specialty. The question here is whether or not the payer will cover for the same code, same patient, same day. Noridian has language that says that in instances like bilateral knee replacements, you'd bill as co-surgery, with two surgeons operating on unilateral sides. "Co-surgery also refers to surgical procedures involving two surgeons performing the parts of the procedure simultaneously (e.g., heart transplant or bilateral knee replacements)." Commercial payers may have similar rules. I would agree, based on Noridian's clarification, that's you'd bill two claims, one with the -62-LT and the other with the -62-RT

 

[dballard2004]

Thanks so much for the clarification.