Neurosurgery Coding Alert
Count Fluoro As Part of the Major Procedure
Question: When our surgeon performs spinal fusions, he often dictates the use of fluoroscopic guidance (and sometimes biplane fluoroscopic guidance) for accurate positioning of instrumentation. After researching the CPT book, I didn't see anything specific to fluoroscopic guidance for this purpose. Is 76000 the most correct code? California Subscriber Answer: Although you have found the most correct code (76000, Fluoroscopy [separate procedure], up to 1 hour physician time, other than 71203 or 71034 [e.g., cardiac fluoroscopy]), you should not report this along with the screw placement. The Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) bundles the fluoroscopic or plain radiographic imaging for screw placement into the instrumentation codes (+22840-22855). You-ll find that CCI bundles intraoperative imaging required for placement of spinal instrumentation into the instrumentation codes. Therefore, you should not separately report it.
Neurosurgery Coding Alert
- Look for These Terms to Keep Laminotomy Straight From Laminectomy
These -occasional- modifiers let you report both procedures at the same level. You can stop [...] - You Be the Coder:
Abbott Allograft Bone for ACDF
Question: Our neurosurgeon used "Abbott" allograft bone for an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). [...] - CCI 15.0 Update:
Include New Radiosurgery Code as Part of 20 Neuro Procedures
Tip: Adhere to new arthroplasty bundles by following CPT guidelines. Don't panic when you see [...] - News You Can Use:
Medicare Lowers Conversion Factor to $36.0666 for 2009
But you won't feel as much of a crunch, thanks to a budget neutrality adjustment. [...] - Reader Questions:
Count Fluoro As Part of the Major Procedure
Question: When our surgeon performs spinal fusions, he often dictates the use of fluoroscopic guidance [...] - Reader Questions:
Use Unlisted for Stabbing in the Back
Question: We have a patient who was stabbed in the back, and my doctor removed [...] - Reader Questions:
Define 'Mutually Exclusive' and 'Bundled'
Question: Would you explain what the differences are between mutually exclusive and "column 1/column 2" [...] - Reader Questions:
Draw the Line Between Segmental, Nonsegmental
Question: How can I determine segmental from nonsegmental spinal instrumentation? North Dakota Subscriber Answer: For [...] - Reader Questions:
Post-Op Care Includes Halo Adjustments
Question: How can we code for adjusting a cervical halo without using anesthesia? Indiana Subscriber
[...] - Reader Questions:
Turn to Twist Drill/Burr Hole for Monitor Placement
Question: What is the correct code for placement of right frontal Camino intracranial pressure monitor?Arizona [...]
