Wiki Secondary procedure separate surgeon

[graciejean]

If the OB/GYN does exploratory lap, finds ovarian mass adhered to the colon, then calls in general surgeon who performs rectosigmoid colon resection with primary anastomosis. 44145 would be reported. Since the incision was made separately by the other surgeon can 44145 be billed alone or does modifier 52 need to be applied?

 

[cmartin]

I would say it can be billed alone; the incision isn't a large part of the value of this particular procedure, and any reduced effort on that front is often counterbalanced by increases in other factors (possibly no bowel prep, various other possibilities).
Connie
CPC,CGSC