The Neurosurgery Coding Coach
KZA consultants discuss two frequently asked neurosurgery coding questions every month. Our coding experts are also available for hourly coding consultations and can provide a customized coding and documentation review for your practice.
May 1, 2008
Co-Surgery: Who Bills What?
Question:
We just reviewed the documentation audit report you recently completed for us – thanks so much! It was really helpful and educational. One question: how do we code a transphenoidal hypophysectomy when we do the procedure with an ENT surgeon? The ENT doctor says he has his own codes to bill.
Answer:
Thank you – it was a pleasure to help you and your practice.
There are two codes to report this procedure. First, CPT 61548 (Hypophysectomy or excision of pituitary tumor, transnasal or transseptal approach, nonstereotactic) may be reported if the procedure is performed via an open approach through the nose or septum.
Alternatively, 62165 may be reported (Neuroendoscopy, intracranial; Neuroendoscopy, intracranial;with excision of pituitary tumor, transnasal or trans-sphenoidal approach) if the procedure is performed using an endoscope.
Each surgeon reports the same CPT code, 61548 or 62165) appended with modifier 62 (Two Surgeons), also called the co-surgery modifier.
You can expect to be paid 62.5% of the payor’s allowable as a co-surgeon.
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