Billing modifier · CMS claims manual

Modifier 62: two surgeons operating together.

Modifier 62 is reported by each of two surgeons, each in a different specialty, who are required to perform a specific procedure. Medicare pays each co-surgeon 62.5 percent of the fee schedule amount. A team of more than two surgeons uses modifier 66 and is paid by report.

Sources: CMS manuals · retrieved November 2, 2026Reference page · nothing is sent or stored

Modifier 62 at a glance

Modifier: 62: Two Surgeons
Used on: Each of two surgeons of different specialties on one procedure
Medicare rule: Each co-surgeon paid up to 62.5% of the fee schedule amount
Primary source: CMS Ch. 12 s.40.8

What CMS says

CMS chapter 12, section 40.8: if two surgeons (each in a different specialty) are required to perform a specific procedure, each bills the procedure with modifier 62. Co-surgery also covers two surgeons performing parts of the procedure simultaneously, such as a heart transplant or bilateral knee replacements. The additional physicians are not acting as assistants at surgery.

If surgeons of different specialties each perform a different procedure with its own code, neither co-surgery nor multiple surgery rules apply, even through the same incision. A surgeon who performs multiple procedures falls under the multiple procedure rules.

How Medicare pays it

Each co-surgeon’s payment is based on the lower of the billed amount or 62.5 percent of the fee schedule amount. Worked example with a hypothetical $2,000.00 fee schedule amount: each of the two surgeons is paid up to $1,250.00, a combined $2,500.00.

The Medicare database co-surgery indicator (Field 24) drives processing. Indicator 0: pay the first bill at 100 percent and deny later ones as medical necessity denials. Indicator 1: suspend for manual review of the submitted documentation, and pay 62.5 percent each if it supports two surgeons. Indicator 2: two surgeon rules apply and each is paid 62.5 percent.

Denials and limits

Where payment may not be made for co-surgeons, CMS directs a denial with Group Code CO, CARC 54 and MSN 15.13, and says the beneficiary cannot be charged for the service. Documentation of the medical necessity for two surgeons is required for certain services identified in the database.

Team surgery (more than two surgeons of different specialties) is reported by each with modifier 66 and paid by report. Carriers retain 62 and 66 in history for co- and team surgeries.

Look-alike modifiers

Modifier 51: Multiple procedures by one surgeon.
Modifier 50: Bilateral procedure on one line.
Modifier 54: Surgical care only.

The full modifier descriptions are in the AMA CPT code book and the HCPCS Level II code set; this page covers only what the CMS claims manuals say about modifier 62.

Sources

CMS: Medicare Claims Processing Manual, Chapter 12 (Rev. 13753, issued 05-07-26) — section 40.8, co-surgeons and team surgeons (retrieved 2026-11-02)

Every rule above was read from these CMS pages on November 2, 2026. Payers revise policies and contracts, so confirm anything that affects a claim with the payer or your Medicare Administrative Contractor.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Medicare pay each co-surgeon?

The lower of the billed amount or 62.5 percent of the fee schedule amount, per CMS chapter 12, section 40.8.

Do both surgeons bill modifier 62?

Yes. CMS says each surgeon bills the procedure with modifier 62 when two surgeons of different specialties are required.

What is modifier 66?

Team surgery: each surgeon on a team of more than two surgeons of different specialties bills with 66, and payment is by report.

Not legal, billing or medical advice

This page explains published CMS manual text. It cannot see your claim, your contract or any payer’s policy. Confirm with the payer or your Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) before you bill, resubmit or appeal.