General Surgery Coding Alert

Don't forget the modifier for distinct services.You'll no longer have to forfeit pay when your surgeon performs a distinct part of certain laparoscopic procedures with another surgeon, thanks to several recent Medicare Physician fee schedule changes. CMS recently offered the good news for several co-surgery codes in Transmittal 2276, with an Oct. 3, 2011 implementation date.Look for Potential Co-Surgery Payment for These CodesCMS will change the co-surgery indicator for spleen surgery code 38129 (Unlisted laparoscopy procedure, spleen) from "0" (Co-surgeons not permitted) to "1" (Co-surgeons could be paid, supporting documentation required to establish medical necessity of two surgeons for the procedure). Ensure documentation: Keep in mind that you must provide supporting documentation when billing for a co-surgeon with these procedures, so don't forget to submit that with your claim or you'll be looking at bad news.The same rule holds true for the following laparoscopy codes (among others), which previously [...]