Question about the NP Assisting in Surgery

[Jalyn2205]

I'm looking to see if anyone has information about the NP assisting in the OR. Is it equivalent to a PA as far as being able to bill for the NP assisting. I work as a nurse in the OR currently and want to work for a surgeon when I'm done with NP school, but I am having trouble figuring out whether or not NP's can assist and still be billed for like a PA can. HELP PLEASE!

Thanks

[Dodongo, APRN, NP]

I'm looking to see if anyone has information about the NP assisting in the OR. Is it equivalent to a PA as far as being able to bill for the NP assisting. I work as a nurse in the OR currently and want to work for a surgeon when I'm done with NP school, but I am having trouble figuring out whether or not NP's can assist and still be billed for like a PA can. HELP PLEASE!

Thanks

Just like a PA, an NP can bill for 85% of 16% of the surgeon's fee, because a surgical first assist using the AS modifier can bill 16%, and non-physician providers are reimbursed at 85% of physicians providers. Your job description would be exactly the same as a PA.

However, in many instances the PA would be hired preferentially in a first assist position because they are trained in surgical skills/anatomy. As an NP many employers/surgeons are requiring an RNFA certification, in order for the NP to work in the OR. I'm not saying it's impossible to be hired without that, but if you are serious about first assisting as an NP it is something you should do. Also, at least in my area, surgical services prefer (greatly) ACNPs over FNPs.