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Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Coding Tips:

Zero In On Graft Source and Extra Services To Master Spinal Bone Grafts

Published on Mon Sep 05, 2011

Report multiple grafts but modifier -51 does not apply. Coding for spinal bone grafting may leave you perplexed as these procedures involve determining which graft type your neurosurgeon used, identifying any accompanying procedures, and reporting multiple grafts. Read on for advice on how to finesse your spinal graft claims and beat denials. Use 3 Aspects to Guide Your Graft Code Selection When reporting spinal bone grafts, you'll choose from the five codes listed below: +20930 (Allograft, morselized, or placement of osteopromotive material, for spine surgery only (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) +20931 (Allograft, structural, for spine surgery only [List separately in addition to code for primary procedure]) +20936 (Autograft for spine surgery only [includes harvesting the graft]; local [eg, ribs, spinous process, or laminar fragments] obtained from same incision [List separately in addition to code for primary procedure]) +20937 (Autograft for spine surgery only [includes harvesting [...]
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