Reader Questions:
Apply Surgical Fees to New Arthodesis Codes
Published on Sat Oct 02, 2010
Question: I need to prepare a surgical estimate for a 2-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion which will take place in Jan. 2011. What are the new arthrodesis codes and the associated RVUs and Medicare fee schedule amount? Thanks in advance for your help.New York SubscriberAnswer: Starting Jan. 1, you will be required to report arthrodesis procedures that include discectomy, osteophytectomy and spinal cord decompression with two new bundled codes:22551 Arthrodesis, anterior interbody, including disc space preparation, discectomy, osteophytectomy and decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve roots; cervical below C2 22552 Arthrodesis, anterior interbody, including disc space preparation, discectomy, osteophytectomy and decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve roots; cervical below C2, each additional interspace (List separately in addition to code for separate procedure) Code 22552 is an add-on code, so you would report it with 22551 to reflect any additional interspace the neurosurgeon treats below C2. Previously, this bundled procedure [...]
