Anesthesia Coding Alert

Question: The surgeon inserted spinal instrumentation on a PLIF (posterior lumbar interbody fusion) but didn't meet the -three or more segments- level. What surgical code should I base our anesthesia claim on?


West Virginia Subscriber

Answer: Check the surgeon's record to see exactly what instrumentation he used before reporting your portion of the procedure.

Even if he didn't meet the -three or more segments- level, you will probably code the anesthesia based on 22842 (Posterior segmental instrumentation [e.g., pedicle fixation, dual rods with multiple hooks and sublaminar wires]; 3 to 6 vertebral segments). This crosses to anesthesia code 00670 (Anesthesia for extensive spine and spinal cord procedures [e.g., spinal instrumentation or vascular procedures]).