Which modifier is used when a surgeon administers anesthesia themselves?

The correct modifier used when a surgeon administers anesthesia themselves is Modifier 47. This modifier specifically indicates that anesthesia was provided by the surgeon during the procedure, highlighting that the surgeon is actively involved in both the surgical and anesthetic aspects of the care. This information is crucial for proper billing and reimbursement as it signals to payers that additional skill and responsibility were involved in the administration of anesthesia.

Other modifiers, while useful in different contexts, do not apply to this scenario. Modifier 33, for example, generally relates to preventive services, and Modifier 50 is used to denote bilateral procedures. Modifier 51 is meant for multiple procedures and indicates that more than one procedure was performed during the same session, which does not pertain to the anesthesia administration by the surgeon. Understanding these distinctions is essential for accurate coding and billing in medical practices.