Wiki PA assisting surgeon

[ssmith24]

I am billing for a PA who is assisting with several different surgeons from different practices. I was told I need to bill the same charges as the physician bills. One of our physician's is concerned about this violating the Stark Law. Does anyone know if this is something I need to be concerned about?

 

[FTessaBartels]

Assist

Whether it is a PA, an NP, or another physician who is assisting, you always use the same code the primary surgeon uses, with the appropriate assist modifier.

Hope that helps.

F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC

 

[preserene]

PA ,nurse practioner ,or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery will be
AS attached to the code for surgery.
A few years ago it was same as for asst Surgeon -80. but not now

 

[RebeccaWoodward*]

I am billing for a PA who is assisting with several different surgeons from different practices. I was told I need to bill the same charges as the physician bills. One of our physician's is concerned about this violating the Stark Law. Does anyone know if this is something I need to be concerned about?

Are you speaking of reporting the exact same fee? Carriers vary but Medicare reimburses 16% of the allowable for an assistant PA. Reporting the exact same fee would increase your adjustments...

20.4.3 - Assistant at Surgery Services
(Rev. 1, 10-01-03)
B3-15044

"For assistant at surgery services performed by physicians, the fee schedule amount equals 16 percent of the amount otherwise applicable for the global surgery."

https://www.cms.gov/manuals/downloads/clm104c12.pdf