What does modifier -AS signify?

The correct answer signifies that the modifier -AS is specifically used to indicate that the assistant at surgery is a non-physician healthcare professional, such as a physician assistant or nurse practitioner. This modifier is important for billing and coding purposes, as it clarifies the role of the surgical assistant during a procedure and helps ensure appropriate reimbursement for their services. By using this modifier, it is clear to payers that the individual assisting in the surgery is not a physician, but still plays a critical role in patient care and surgical outcomes.

Understanding this modifier is essential for accurate coding, as it affects how surgical services are billed and what kind of reimbursement the healthcare facility can expect. This distinction between a physician and a non-physician assistant helps streamline the reimbursement process and aligns services with the appropriate level of expertise involved in the surgery.