Q&A: Make sure to document medical necessity of assistant surgeon

Article Overview

This article discusses payer scrutiny of assistant-at-surgery documentation and why some claims are being denied when the operative record does not sufficiently support the service. It is aimed at surgeons, coding professionals, and practice staff who need to understand the kinds of documentation elements payers may expect, the importance of checking payment indicators, and the broad distinction between physician and nonphysician assistant-at-surgery reporting. The article also frames the issue as one of medical necessity and operative-report completeness rather than convenience.