Wiki Modifier -80

[tfischer]

Can anyone tell me if there are any guidelines specifying medical necessity requirements on the usage of modifier -80?

For example: Two trauma surgeons going in the OR to assist one another just to finish the procedure more quick?

I don't agree with the above example, but I can't find anything telling us differently.

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks so much!

 

[colorectal surgeon]

Your coding book will tell you when an assistant surgeon is allowed.

The American College of Surgeons published the study below a few years ago regarding assistants at surgery. It is a good reference as you will see. Hope that helps.

http://www.facs.org/ahp/pubs/2007physasstsurg.pdf