Neurosurgery Coding Alert

NCCI Policy:

Be Careful When Fusing Lumbar Laminectomy, Arthrodesis Codes

Check the NCCI Policy Manual for clarity on lumbar fusions, laminectomies. Preparing the spinal interspace for an arthrodesis procedure often requires the surgeon to perform a decompression laminectomy beforehand. While National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits do allow for an overriding modifier to be used with the laminectomy, you need to be acutely aware of when and when not include [...]
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