Co Surgeon and Assit Surgeon

[deloga]

When a Surgeon performed a case and along with a Co-surgeon (Modifier 62 is used), is assistant surgeon normally able to get paid for his or her works? A payer is stating an assistant was not needed since there were 2 Surgeons.
Thanks!

[PMRNC]

Depends on what type of surgery, hospital guidelines for that surgery (did hospital Require the assist), etc.
You could appeal attaching op report which should show the medical necessity of the assistant if there was medical necessity. Are you billing for the assistant? that would require the modifier 81 or 82 (look that up because I just woke up and had not had my first cup of coffee.) 

[deloga]

Thanks for your reply!.. The case was performed by an Neurosurgeon, and the Assistant surgeon is a PA, He always assist the Neurosurgeon with his cases. I do apply the AS modifier with his claims.  The hospital did not require him tho... Now it's my turn to enjoy a good cup of java!
Again Thanks for your response!!

[Priyan]

Deloga your are correct, we can use MOD As. But ensure all the medical records documemted shows, we had an co-surgeon indicated.