December 16, 2021

Question:
A neurosurgeon asked my vascular surgeon to perform the exposure for an anterior spine procedure. Does he report an exploratory lap his work?

Answer:
No. providing the exposure for a neurosurgeon for an anterior spine procedure is co-surgery, since code 22558, Arthrodesis, anterior interbody technique includes both the exposure/approach and the work on the spine. Both surgeons append the co-surgery modifier 62 to code 22558.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 12/16/21