Ask Dr. Z

Our general surgeons perform the exposure of endovascular AAA surgical cases for the interventional radiology group. The general surgeon performs a bilateral exposure (34812) and inserts the sheath. He leaves the OR at this point, and the interventional radiologist then presents to the OR and performs her portion of the AAA. The general surgeon then returns to the OR, removes the sheath, and closes the surgical site. The general surgeon dictates for the exposure and closure of the wound. Both the interventional radiologist and the general surgeon dictate as “co-surgeon” their individual portion of the case. Can we, as the general surgeon's office, bill for both the exposure (34812) and the repair of the AAA? The general surgeon is not in the OR during the time the interventional radiologist is doing her portion of the case. According to the interventional radiologist they suggest the general surgeon bills code 34802-62, as they say the general surgeon is there for the “critical” portion of the case. What are your recommendations on coding this?