October 17, 2019

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 10/17/19.