Hi,
If the Op Report says "Assistant Sugeon", then I would use an 80 modifier. If the report states "Co-Surgeon", then it's 62. Since modifier 80 is a more commonly used modifier, I've included a brief overview on the 62:
Modifier 62
Definition: Two Surgeons
Co-Surgery is the cooperation of two surgeons doing a surgery within the same body cavity with a single primary goal, with each of the two surgeons applying their individual skills to achieve that single goal, while assisting each other. Co-surgery may also apply to procedures that require two or more surgeons, neither acting as an assistant to perform the total procedure(s). It may also apply when a surgical procedure involves two or more surgeons performing parts of a single procedure or related procedures simultaneously, e.g., heart transplant, bilateral orthopedic or vascular procedures.
Each surgeon must bill using the same CPT codes, with modifier 62. Co-surgery codes approved by CMS for Co-surgery are reimbursed to the maximum allowance for the surgeon and an assistant combined to one fee and then divided between the co-surgeons. Procedure codes must have either a Medicare Co-surgery indicator of ‘1' or ‘2' to be considered for payment. Pricing is 120% of allowable which is split 50/50 between two surgeons equaling 60% of allowable for each surgeon. If there is more than one procedure performed, multiple surgery guidelines apply.
Hope that helps!