Did you check with the surgeon to see what cpt code they used? I'm assuming it is the same, but just checking to make sure. I am not a certified coder but I'm not sure the 79 modifier would be appropriate for the assistant surgeon since the assistant surgeon did not do any other surgery prior. (Def of 79 mod is “unrelated procedure or service by the same physician during the post-operative period.”) If they also used the 59525 I would consider filing an appeal/adjustment request with a written explanation of what occurred (the reason for the assistance at the hysterectomy part only) and a copy of the operative report. The denial is asking for a delivery dx, so maybe even though the AS didn't participate in the delivery the delivery dx is required for that cpt code. Even though the AS didn't participate, the delivery did occur which was the reason for the hemorrhage which was the reason for the hysterectomy.
