Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Question: I’m new to neurosurgery coding, and I’m confused about disc compressions, especially code 62287. Can you please help me?

Washington Subscriber

Answer: Disc decompressions are procedures to reduce the size of the disc. You’ll code percutaneous disc decompressions with 62287 (Decompression procedure, percutaneous, of nucleus pulposus of intervertebral disc, any method utilizing needle based technique to remove disc material under fluoroscopic imaging or other form of indirect visualization, with discography and/or epidural injection(s) at the treated level(s), when performed, single or multiple levels, lumbar), confirms Dreama Sloan-Kelly, MD, CCS, president of Dr. Sloan-Kelly Consulting in Shirley, Massachusetts.

“Disc decompression is a percutaneous procedure that is needle-based in technique. Because it is percutaneous, the use of fluoroscopy or an endoscope is needed to visualize the placement and maneuvering of the needle,” Sloan-Kelly continues.

When the physician performs a 62287 service they perform “a decompression procedure to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves by correcting a bulge in an intervertebral disc. Commonly referred to as a percutaneous discectomy, it may be accomplished by several techniques, including non-automated — manual — automated, or laser,” explains Denise Caposella, CPC, senior consultant with Acevedo Consulting Incorporated in Delray Beach, Florida.

Note that percutaneous discectomy procedures, in comparison to endoscopic or open discectomy procedures, may be considered experimental, investigational and/or unproven services by commercial insurers.