Ob-Gyn Coding Alert
Using Modifier 82? Have Documentation Ready
Question: Is there a difference in the reimbursement of procedures for modifiers 80 (Assistant surgeon) and 82 (Assistant surgeon [when qualified resident surgeon not available])?
Texas Subscriber
Answer: No, but your payer is probably going to ask for proof that there was no Resident available when you use 82. And if they do not feel an assistant was warranted for the procedure code, you may not get reimbursed at all.
Good advice: Always check to see if the procedure code allows for an assistant, and if it does and you are using 82, make sure you have the documentation ready to show no Resident was available. The best source for information about assistants at surgery comes from the American College of Surgeons. Their most recent publication of “Physicians as Assistants at Surgery” can be downloaded from https://www.facs.org/media/press-releases/2013/pas1113.
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