Ask Dr. Z

When an IR provider is performing AAA repair, let's say using CPT code 34705, and a general surgeon is necessary to perform the bilateral arterial cutdowns, how do you bill the general surgeon's part of the procedure? In the cases we are seeing, the general surgeon performs the arterial cutdowns, leaves, and then returns at the end of the procedure to close the wounds. With 34812 being changed to an add-on code it has come into question what is the most appropriate way to report the general surgeon's service. Should we be using an unlisted code for the general surgeon?