Mod 62 & Spinal Instrumentation

Question:

Our coding department has a question. Due to the high complexity of the case, two surgeons from different specialties (an orthopedic surgeon and a neurosurgeon) completed the surgery together. Can modifier 62 be applied to spinal instrumentation codes?

Answer:

Although two surgeons from different specialties were involved in this complex case, modifier 62 cannot be appended to spinal instrumentation codes.

CPT guidelines specifically state: “Do not append modifier 62 to spinal instrumentation codes (22840–22848, 22850, 22852, 22853, 22854, 22859).”

Modifier 62 (Two Surgeons) applies only when each surgeon performs distinct, separate portions of the same procedure, and each surgeon must document their specific portion in separate operative reports.  

Example: For an ALIF, if a general or vascular surgeon performs the approach and closure, while a spine surgeon performs the interbody procedure.

• Both surgeons would document their respective portions of the operative service.

• Both would report CPT 22558‑62.

• This meets CPT criteria for true co‑surgery. 

If the second surgeon is participating specifically in the placement of spinal instrumentation, consideration should be given to whether an assistant‑at‑surgery modifier (80 or 82) may be appropriate, since modifier 62 is not allowed on instrumentation codes.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 04/02/26.