What is the multiple surgery rule?

The multiple surgery rule is a guideline used in medical billing and coding to determine how to reimburse for multiple surgical procedures performed on the same patient during the same session. Typically, the primary procedure is paid at full value, while subsequent procedures may receive a reduced reimbursement rate, often around 50% or less, depending on the specific codes and circumstances. This rule aims to account for the increased efficiency and reduced time required for multiple surgeries. The exact percentages and guidelines can vary by payer and specific coding systems.