Which modifier should be used for services rendered by both a surgeon and an assistant?

The use of modifier -80 is appropriate in this scenario because it specifically indicates that an assistant surgeon has participated in the surgical procedure alongside the primary surgeon. This modifier recognizes the contributions of the assistant in the surgery and ensures that proper credit and reimbursement can be obtained for both surgical practitioners.

In surgical coding, when a procedure is complex or involves multiple surgeons, the assistant surgeon plays a critical role, and modifier -80 helps signify this partnership in the surgical event. It allows the billing for the assistant surgeon’s services and clarifies that the surgery required the additional skill and labor of an assistant.

Other modifiers listed do not represent the same situation. Modifier -22 relates to increased procedural services, while -81 represents an assistant surgeon for a procedure requiring a minimal assistant role, which typically does not apply to primary surgical tasks. Modifier -82 is used to indicate that a surgical assistant was required but not available and emphasizes a different context where assistance was necessary but not rendered. Hence, modifier -80 is the most appropriate choice when documenting that both a surgeon and an assistant participated in the surgical procedure.