March 4, 2021

Question:
A major blood vessel was accidentally nicked while a general surgeon was performing a complex case. A vascular surgeon was called in to repair the blood vessel. Since they are different specialties, can the vascular surgeon bill for the repair, even though she is in the same group as the general surgeon?

Answer:
Yes, if both surgeons are different specialties and designated with separate taxonomy number (General Surgery and Vascular Surgery are) then the vascular surgeon should bill for the repair.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 3/4/21.