I posted this thread yesterday under a different group and NO responses – there has to be someone out there that has an idea of at least where to look or what entity to ask.

Where would I be able to obtain guidelines relating the appropriate attestation to use for this scenario:

Two surgeons, working as co-surgeons, each having a resident assisting.

I believe that each attending should be stating why they required the assistance of a resident as another attending was in the room at the same time.

Now, my Manager and Director (and Compliance) are indicating that this is not a surgical assist situation and therefore no justification of the presence of a resident is required.

I’ve looked at the Medicare Teaching Guidelines and cannot locate anything specific to this type of scenario.

What governing body would have the definitive answer?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.