May 9, 2019

Question:
The vascular surgeon is called to the OR to repair a blood vessel that was inadvertently lacerated during a colectomy. I she a co-surgeon?

Answer:
No. The vascular surgeon will report her work with a repair vessel code (35221 if repaired directly). The other surgeon will report the work that he/she performed. This is not reported as a co-surgery or assistant surgery.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 5/9/19.