Co-Surgery: ‘Unlisted Laparoscopy’ Allow Co-Surgeons, Thanks to Fee Schedule Change

Don't forget the modifier for distinct services.

You'll no longer have to forfeit pay when your surgeon performs a distinct part of certain laparoscopic procedures with another surgeon, thanks to several recent Medicare Physician Fee Schedule changes. CMS recently offered the good news for several co-surgery codes in Transmittal 2276, with an Oct. 3, 2011 implementation date.

CMS will change the co-surgery indicator for spleen surgery code 38129 (Unlisted laparoscopy procedure, spleen) from "0" (Co-surgeons not permitted) to "1" (Co-surgeons could be paid, supporting documentation required to establish medical necessity of two surgeons for the [...]

- Published on 2011-10-19