Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any applicable add‑on codes that are part of that same procedure) when both surgeons share primary responsibility rather than acting as an assistant. Use is appropriate when the procedure requires two surgeons with complementary skills or when one surgeon handles exposure/access and the other performs the main operative work. It must not be used for completely separate procedures performed the same day or to report assistant roles (those use modifiers such as 80, 81, etc.).

For payers such as Medicare, modifier 62 is recognized for co‑surgeon billing when the two surgeons are from different specialties; many commercial payers follow similar rules but may allow same‑specialty co‑surgeons if they provide distinct surgical skills. Reimbursement is typically handled by increasing the standard global surgery fee by 25% (to 125% of the allowed amount) and then splitting payment equally—each co‑surgeon receiving 62.5% of the adjusted fee. Some payers also require that the CPT code be eligible for co‑surgeon payment per the CMS co‑surgeon indicator, and documentation requirements vary by indicator (for example, indicator “1” may require documented medical necessity while indicator “2” may not).

Real‑world examples include a pelvic exenteration where a general surgeon manages the abdominal approach and a gynecologic oncologist completes organ removal and reconstruction; both would bill the same primary CPT code with modifier 62. Another example is spine deformity surgery where one surgeon obtains access and a spine surgeon completes the tethering—both append modifier 62 to the same code (e.g., 22836–22838) when acting as co‑surgeons. Always confirm payer policies—including allowed CPT codes and documentation expectations—since some payers (like Regence) require the CMS co‑surgeon indicator to permit modifier 62 and may prohibit billing for codes marked “0” or “9.”