What is the difference between modifier 80 and 82

Thread starter DebbieP Start date Feb 25, DebbieP Contributor. Does anyone have information regarding 80 modifier? Also what type of documentation do you need for Medicare to use modifier 82? Can you use both in a teaching hospital? Thank you. Messages Location St. Louis, Missouri Best answers 0. I can tell you with modifier 80 your physician does not need to dictate his own operative report. You just use the primary surgeon's operative report as documentation.

Your physician should be listed on this operative report as assistant surgeon. I have never used modifier 82 so I have no information regarding that modifier. TWinsor Guru. For modifier 82 there needs to be documentation in the operative note that there was not a "qualified resident available" for whatever the reason. The assist does not need to dictate their own note.

If you are in a teaching setting you need to use 82 for assistants, unless of course the payor does not accept this modifier then you would use Should be submitted on those surgical procedures where an assistant surgeon is warranted.

NOTE: Physicians acting as assistants cannot bill as co-surgeons. Appropriate use of assistant at surgery modifiers and payment indicators. First Coast Service Options Inc. First Coast would like to remind providers within jurisdiction N JN of the appropriate use of assistant at surgery modifiers and payment under the Medicare physician fee schedule MPFS. An assistant at surgery is a provider who actively assists the physician in charge of a case in performing a surgical procedure.

A physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant or clinical nurse specialist who is authorized to provide such services under state law can serve as an assistant at surgery.

Medicare does not recognize a registered nurse first assistant RNFA as a qualified Medicare provider. This modifier describes an assistant surgeon providing full assistance to the primary surgeon, and is not intended for use by non-physician providers.

Minimal surgical assistance may be identified by adding the modifier 81 to the usual procedure code, and describes an assistant surgeon providing minimal assistance to the primary surgeon. This modifier is not intended for use by non-physician providers. Note: This modifier is used in the private insurance industry and is not commonly used in Medicare billing. Your use of this Reimbursement Policy constitutes your agreement to be bound by and comply with the terms and conditions of the Reimbursement Policy Disclaimer.

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