Question: Coders in our office disagree on the best code for an anterior approach Racz procedure. What is the best option? Answers to You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were reviewed by Terry Celestino, CPC, a coder with Northwest Anesthesiology in San Antonio.
South Carolina Subscriber
Answer: The Racz procedure (named after the physician who first performed it) is known by several other names, including epidural neuroplasty, epidural neurolysis or epidural lysis of adhesions. Coders -- and carriers -- have differing opinions on how to report the service, if at all.
Many carriers consider Racz an experimental procedure, which means they won't reimburse for the service. A few carriers (such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield in North Carolina) recommend reporting 62264 (Percutaneous lysis of epidural adhesions using solution injection [e.g., hypertonic saline, enzyme] or mechanical means [e.g., catheter] including radiologic localization [includes contrast when administered], multiple adhesiolysis sessions; 1 day).
Some coders opt for 62263 (... 2 or more days) for longer-lasting treatment or 62281 (Injection/infusion of neurolytic substance [e.g., alcohol, phenol, iced saline solutions], with or without other therapeutic substance; epidural, cervical or thoracic).
Bottom line: Always get pre-approval before scheduling a Racz procedure or make payment arrangements with the patient. If you do submit a claim, verify the carrier's preferred code before filing.