Final answer:
Before submitting a claim with modifier 62, two surgeons should collaborate during pre-operative checks, including verifying patient information, discussing the operative plan, and ensuring that antibiotic administration and essential imaging requirements are met.
Step-by-step explanation:
When two surgeons are involved in a joint procedure and are submitting a claim with modifier 62, they should perform several collaborative steps prior to the surgery. Before the induction of anesthesia, during the sign in process, it is essential for the team, which includes at least the nurse and an anesthesia professional, to verify the patient's identity, surgical site, and the planned procedure orally. Additionally, they must ensure that all necessary imaging results for the correct patient are available in the operating room.
During the time out before skin incision, the complete team, including nurses, surgeons, and anesthesia professionals, must review aloud key concerns for the patient's recovery and care, such as the administration of prophylactic antibiotics 60 minutes before the incision, or a confirmation that antibiotics are not indicated.
Furthermore, team members are also required to confirm their names and roles, review the anticipated critical events, including critical steps, operative duration, and expected blood loss shared by the surgeons, specific anesthesia-related concerns, and equipment availability and sterility confirmed by the nursing staff. This comprehensive pre-operative checklist ensures that everyone is fully prepared and in agreement about the operative plan, thereby reducing the risk of errors.