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Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Include "Gallie" in Fusion Code

Published on Wed Mar 28, 2007

Question: Our neurosurgeon performed a C1-2 posterior fusion using the -Gallie- technique. What is this, and which code should we use to report it?


Arkansas Subscriber


Answer: During the Gallie technique, the neurosurgeon uses a sublaminar wire at C1 before he places the graft. The arthrodesis component of a Gallie technique would be reported as 22595. Because 22840 (Posterior nonsegmental instrumentation [e.g., Harrington rod technique, pedicle fixation across one interspace, atlantoaxial transarticular screw fixation, sublaminar wiring at C1, facet screw fixation]) refers to -sublaminar wiring at C1,- the instrumentation component of a Gallie technique would be reported as 22840
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