Wiki Co-surgeon question

[krisfelty]

I have a provider that was listed as the co-surgeon on another provider that is not from our pracitice. This procedure was done in the hospital but all the main surgeon states in the OP note is " Given the severity of and the presence of codominant vascualar injuries, Dr. Smith acted as a co-surgeon in helping control the bleeding and reducing the ischemia time by assisting with the vascular reconstructions." However, I do not see his name mentioned again in the OP note as to what he actulayy performed that is a billable service?? I am unsure, if anything , what I can bill for. Does anyone have any ideas?? I dont think I would bill the same codes as the primary surgeon??

Thanks ,

Kris Felty, CPC, CCC, CCVTC

 

[mitchellde]

If your provider is a co surgeon then he must provide his own operative detailing what part of the same procedure he performed, this sounds more like he was an assisting surgeon.
co-surgeon is billed using a 62 modifier and assist is billed using the 80,81,or 82 modifier.