When is modifier 47 specifically used?

Modifier 47 is specifically used when anesthesia is administered by the surgeon during a surgical procedure that typically requires anesthesia. This modifier indicates that the surgeon was actively involved in providing anesthesia care for the procedure, which is outside the normal scope of their role.

In surgical coding, when anesthesia is not provided by an anesthesiologist or CRNA but rather by the surgeon performing the operation, this modifier clarifies that the surgical procedure and the administration of anesthesia occurred together. This can affect billing and reimbursement, as it highlights the additional work undertaken by the surgeon.

Other choices do not align with the use of modifier 47. Bilateral procedures, concurrent surgeries, and mandated consultations involve different coding rules and modifiers that do not pertain to the administration of anesthesia by the operating surgeon.