Wiki code 38230 - Surgical Assistant??

[Karolina]

Hello -

I am trying to find out if a PA can be a surgical assistant for code 38230 (BM harvesting) and if so, under which conditions. So far I have learned that this procedure allows for assistants, but requires submission of documentation to support medical necessity. What I like to know is if this is applicable to PAs and also what conditions would satisfy medical necessity.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[FTessaBartels]

Scope of practice

If this is in the PA's scope of practice, then Yes, you can charge the assist to the PA. If you are in a teaching hospital your documentation must also state that there was no qualified resident available to assist, therefore requiring the assist by the PA.

Hope that helps.

F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC

 

[Karolina]

Thanks Tessa!
This helps a lot.