Neurosurgery Coding Alert
Establish Global Period Before Deciding Between 63020, 63040
Question: How would I code a reexploration of a bilateral hemilaminectomy at C1-C2? I cannot decide between codes 63020 and 63040. Texas Subscriber Answer: The correct code depends on whether or not the patient is still within the global period of the initial procedure. The global surgical period for 63020 (Laminotomy [hemilaminectomy], with decompression of nerve root[s], including partial facetectomy, foraminotomy and/or excision of herniated intervertebral disc; 1 interspace, cervical) is 90 days. If the procedure occurred within a 90-day period of the initial hemilaminectomy, you will want to use the initial code 63020 with modifiers 50 (Bilateral Procedure) and 78 (Return to Operating Room for related surgery during post op period) attached. If the procedure occurs outside of the 90-day global period, you will want to use the reexploration code 63040 (Laminotomy [hemilaminectomy], with decompression of nerve root[s], including partial facetectomy, foraminotomy and/or excision of herniated intervertebral disc, reexploration, single interspace; cervical) with modifier 50 attached.
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