Get MLN Matters Number: MM6123 Related CR Release Date: October 24, 2008 Related CR Transmittal #

Physicians billing for assistant at surgery must assign modifier 80, 81, or 82.

Status definitions 1 = Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure. Assistant at surgery may not be paid. 2 = Payment restrictions for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure. Assistant at surgery may be paid.

CPT Codes and Fees: Assistant Surgery Guide.... CPT CodeAssistant Surgeon Allowed12018yes12037yes12047yes12057yes236 more rows • Jan 1, 2015

Definitions. CPT Modifier 80 represents assistant at surgery by another physician. This assistant at surgery is providing full assistance to the primary surgeon. This modifier is not intended for use by non-physicians assisting at surgery (e.g., Nurse Practitioners or Physician Assistants).

Modifier Description & Definition Modifier 80 Assistant Surgeon: Surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). Modifier 81 Minimum Assistant Surgeon: Minimum surgical assistant services are identified by adding modifier 81 to the usual procedure number.

Use the modifier "AS" for assistant at surgery services provided by a Physician Assistant (PA), Nurse Practitioner (NP), or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). The provider must accept assignment. Medicare allows 85% of the 16% for the assistant at surgery services provided by a PA, NP, or CNS.

Note: Multiple assistant surgeon procedures must be billed with modifier 80 for the first procedure and modifier 99 for each additional procedure.

If the Assistant at Surgery column contains indicator "2", the assistant at surgery may be paid. Payment is not generally allowed for an assistant surgeon when payment for either two surgeons (modifier "-62") or team surgeons (modifier "-66") is appropriate.