Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Two scenarios illuminate when you should and shouldn't append modifier 62.Ob-gyn coders rejoice: Medicare has changed the co-surgeon indicator for 57155 to a "2." This means co-surgeon reporting is permitted -- but do you know how to correctly report co-surgery claims? If you're not sure when to apply modifier 62 and what documentation your physician should provide, you could face a denial that's complicated to appeal. Solution: Tackle these two scenarios -- one where the physicians assist each other and one where the physicians perform distinct parts of the procedure -- and discover when you should apply modifier 62.Scenario 1: Both MDs Perform Same ProcedureSuppose a urologist and an ob-gyn perform a bladder suspension and a hysterectomy at the same surgical session.Solution: Both physicians should report 58267 (Vaginal hysterectomy, for uterus 250 grams or less; with colpo-urethrocystopexy [Marshal-Marchetti-Krantz type, Pereyra type] with or without endoscopic control) or 58293 (Vaginal hysterectomy, for uterus [...]