This modifier is system derived from the information entered in the calls field when the Second Surgeon Podiatric Surgeon role modifier (SSPS) is used. THE FIRST UNIT (SSPS) REPRESENTS 45 MINUTES; EACH SUBSEQUENT UNIT (SSPU) REPRESENTS 15 MINUTES OR THE MAJOR PORTION THEREOF.
| Code: | Description: |
|---|---|
| SSPU | SECOND SURGEON PODIATRIC SURGEON UNIT A podiatric surgeon functioning as a second surgeon during complex podiatric surgery may claim for his/her services on a time basis when he/she has actively participated in the planning for and performance of the procedure. Only the second podiatric surgeon's surgical time may be claimed; time spent in planning the procedure may not be included in the claimed time. The entire surgical time is to be claimed against the primary procedure even if multiple procedures are performed. For example, if procedure A and B take a combined total of 2 hours, claim 2 hours against procedure A only. For SSPU, the first call covers the first 45 minutes, therefore, 2 hours equals 6 calls. |
