Wiki two assistant surgeons

[klapetri@ilovemygyn.com]

How would you bill for two assistant surgeons for cpt 58573?

 

[csperoni]

You wouldn't. You cannot bill for multiple assistants. I know my physicians sometimes utilize a PA as a second assist, but those services are not billable.

 

[klapetri@ilovemygyn.com]

what able modifier 81?
would you bill 1st assistant surgeon with modifier 80
2nd assistant surgeon with modifier 81?

 

[csperoni]

Unless this was a team surgery (can't imagine that being necessary for a hysterectomy), I have never seen any insurance that would pay for a second assist.
1) While not impossible, it seems highly unlikely that 2 assistant surgeons were medically necessary.
2) Even with medical necessity, it is highly unlikely you would receive any additional payment.
If the surgery were that complex, I would imagine co-surgeons or -22 might be more appropriate.
My docs do hysterectomies with debulking for complex cancer patients and I have never received payment on a second assist.

 

[klapetri@ilovemygyn.com]

for case there was a primary surgeon
assistant surgeon
2nd assistant surgeon

how do you recommend to bill?

 

[csperoni]

Primary surgeon 58573
Assist surgeon 58573-80
2nd assist - nothing unless there were extraordinary circumstances and even then will likely not be paid