Ob-Gyn Coding: Expert Tips with Modifier 62
Correct ob-gyn coding with modifier 62 will make sure you get your deserved -reimbursement without a hassle. When two surgeons perform a single procedure together, each physician’s individual documentation requirements can get deranged. You have to make sure the physician knows how to document the procedure when you submit the claim using modifier 62.
Use these easy to follow tips for your ob-gyn coding to ensure you get your reimbursement:
• Both the physicians should identify each other as co-surgeons. It’ll create confusion if both the physicians are reporting the same procedure; so, make sure both of them are billing with modifier 62. Any diversion will mean a denial for your claim. To ensure a smooth process, make a courtesy call to the other physician’s billing or coding department.
• When surgeons are working together as co-surgeons, it is implied that each of them is performing a distinct part of the procedure – it means they can’t share the same documentation. Make sure each physician documents her own operative notes. Detail should include the duration of the procedure and it should also explain the need for the co-surgeon.
• Each physician must link the same diagnosis code to the common procedure code. Don’t take it for granted that both the physicians used the same ICD-9 codes. Before you submit the claim with modifier 62, ensure that both the claims have the same codes.
• Claims often come under scrutiny when both the co-surgeons are of the same specialty. To avoid this, each physician must submit his own claim with his own documentation. Each physician must give detail of work, performed by both the physicians. Ask your physician to submit a letter to the carrier detailing the reason for two surgeons.
Modifier 62 in ob-gyn coding requires so much claims coordination; it requires a thorough planning to outline what each surgeon is going to do to complete the procedure and how they are both going to document and code for it. This will improve your chances of getting the reimbursement you deserve – right on the first go.
Use these easy to follow tips for your ob-gyn coding to ensure you get your reimbursement:
• Both the physicians should identify each other as co-surgeons. It’ll create confusion if both the physicians are reporting the same procedure; so, make sure both of them are billing with modifier 62. Any diversion will mean a denial for your claim. To ensure a smooth process, make a courtesy call to the other physician’s billing or coding department.
• When surgeons are working together as co-surgeons, it is implied that each of them is performing a distinct part of the procedure – it means they can’t share the same documentation. Make sure each physician documents her own operative notes. Detail should include the duration of the procedure and it should also explain the need for the co-surgeon.
• Each physician must link the same diagnosis code to the common procedure code. Don’t take it for granted that both the physicians used the same ICD-9 codes. Before you submit the claim with modifier 62, ensure that both the claims have the same codes.
• Claims often come under scrutiny when both the co-surgeons are of the same specialty. To avoid this, each physician must submit his own claim with his own documentation. Each physician must give detail of work, performed by both the physicians. Ask your physician to submit a letter to the carrier detailing the reason for two surgeons.
Modifier 62 in ob-gyn coding requires so much claims coordination; it requires a thorough planning to outline what each surgeon is going to do to complete the procedure and how they are both going to document and code for it. This will improve your chances of getting the reimbursement you deserve – right on the first go.
