Coding Surgical Procedure

Dr. "X" assisted the surgeon, Dr. "Y", during the surgical procedure Removal of kidney and ureter. Surgeon coded 50234 + modifier 52. Why modifier 52? Could you please help? Tks.

re: Coding Surgical Procedure

[Dr. "X" assisted the surgeon, Dr. "Y", during the surgical procedure Removal of kidney and ureter. Surgeon coded 50234 + modifier 52. Why modifier 52? Could you please help? Tks. ]

I would think the 52 is an inappropriate modifier. If Dr. X is assisting Dr. Y, a more appropriate modifier would be 80 (assistant surgeon). If both doctors performed part of the procedure and dictated their own op note, you would use the 62 modifier (co-surgeon). If Dr. X was truly just assisting and not actually performing part of the procedure, the 80 modifier is most appropriate.

Hope this helps.

re: Coding Surgical Procedure

Tks for the help. What is the meaning of modifier 52. I have not been able to find it. ( The surgeon shared his coding with the assistant. It is the surgeon who is using 52 and I'd like to know the reason)

re: Coding Surgical Procedure

Reduced service (surgeon did not perform all components of the code description for surgical procedure, but did most of it)

re: Coding Surgical Procedure

Typically the 52 modifier means that the surgeon had a reason for not performing the procedure in its entirety. Either the condition wasn't what or as bad as they originally thought, or all of the components of the procedure weren't necessary, etc. There are more appropriate modifiers for having assistance during the procedure.