Take three steps when an assistant surgeon helps during a procedure. First, make sure an assistant-at-surgery modifier is appropriate for the procedure. Second, make sure the primary surgeon’s note explains why they needed the help of a qualified healthcare professional (QHP) or another physician for the procedure. Third, make sure you select the correct modifier, based on the assistant’s credentials and role.
A neonatal intensive care unit offers very specialized medical services and treatments to premature and critically ill neonates (i.e., babies 28 days old or younger). Review which ICD-10-CM and CPT codes may be used for providers assisting in this type of care.
Medical coders work with many different code sets including CPT, HCPCS, ICD-10-PCS, and ICD-10-CM. This means coders need to be well-versed in medical terminology. One terminology not often talked about in coding circles is the Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms—despite the system being around for more than 20 years.
