Neurosurgery Coding Alert
New Kyphoplasty Codes Don't Guarantee Payment
Question: I have heard that HCPCS was releasing a new code for kyphoplasty this year. What is the code, and how should we report initial and subsequent levels to my Medicare carrier? Answer: HCPCS 2004 introduced two new kyphoplasty codes, but Medicare did not assign any relative value units (RVUs) to the codes. You should, therefore, report these codes only to private payers that recognize them: If you're reporting kyphoplasty to Medicare, you should continue to use the code for unlisted spine procedures (22899).
Missouri Subscriber
And, you should submit the operative report (or use the "Comment" field of the claim form) to describe the procedure performed and how many levels were addressed.
Neurosurgery Coding Alert
- 5 Ways to Prop Up Your Instrumentation Claims
Mastering terms and modifiers makes the difference
If you're bewildered by the mysteries of spinal instrumentation, [...] - 4 Pointers Make 'Add-on' Codes Easy
CPT is full of "add-on" codes, from minor and major surgical procedures to E/M services, [...] - 3 Important Steps for Co-Surgery Reimbursement
Success requires modifier -62 and physician-to-physician cooperation
When reporting co-surgeries, operating surgeons must carefully coordinate [...] - Avoid the Modifier -62/-80 Mix-up
When trying to decide between modifiers -62 (Two surgeons) and -80 (Assistant surgeon) when more [...] - Reader Question:
Use Initial Inpatient Consults for Nursing Homes
Question: Which codes should I use when the physician has been called into the nursing [...] - Reader Question:
Foraminotomy and Facetectomy Go Hand-in-Hand
Question: Our surgeon performed a laminectomy with bilateral foraminotomies with decompression of the spinal cord/nerve [...] - Reader Question:
New Kyphoplasty Codes Don't Guarantee Payment
Question: I have heard that HCPCS was releasing a new code for kyphoplasty this year. [...] - Reader Question:
Report Operating Microscope With Caution - Reader Question:
Try to Avoid 'Generalized' Weakness
Question: Which ICD-9 code should I use for progressive generalized weakness?
Alaska Subscriber
Answer: For generalized weakness [...] - Reader Question:
Count Global Days With Modifiers
Question: I understand that modifier -57 is appropriate when a physician makes a decision for [...] - You Be The Coder:
New Codes on the Way for IDEA
Question: How can I report intradiscal electrothermal annuloplasty (IDEA)?
Nevada Subscriber
Answer: For now, the unlisted [...]
