Advanced Search

Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Master Multiple Procedure Coding By Taking This Multi-Level Spinal Surgery Challenge

Published on Tue Mar 03, 2009

1 or 2 units? The code definition can make it easy for you to decide. Multiple procedures on different spinal levels during the same session not only mean multiple codes but modifiers, too. Make the grade on your next spinal surgery claim by breaking down the following procedure. Scenario: During a single session, your neurosurgeon performed the following procedures: " L4-L5 Diskectomy " L5-S1 Diskectomy " L4-L5 Transforaminal interbody fusion using posterior interbody technique " L5-S1 Transforaminal interbody fusion using posterior interbody technique " Bone graft placement (autograft) " L4-L5 Interbody cage placement " L5-S1 Cage placement " L4, L5, S1 Bilateral pedicle screw instrumentation. Find Your Solution Piece by Piece From the description you provide, your surgeon likely performed a TLIF procedure, also known as transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. You should report the following codes for the claim, says Patrice Young, CPC, CMSCS, coder at Commonwealth Orthopaedic Associates Inc. [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more

Other Articles in this issue of

Neurosurgery Coding Alert

View All