Neurosurgery Coding Alert
Destruction Codes Describe RFTC
Question: How can I report the use of radiofrequency thermal coagulation (RFTC) to disable the nerves in a patient's lumbar area? Answer: If the physician uses RFTC or pulse RFTC in the lumbar or sacral area, you should report 64622 (Destruction by neurolytic agent, paravertebral facet joint nerve; lumbar or sacral, single level).
Delaware Subscriber
If the physician treats additional lumbosacral levels during the same session, report +64623 (... lumbar or sacral, each additional level [list separately in addition to code for primary procedure]) once for each additional level without any modifiers appended.
The term "agent" in the 64622/64623 descriptor includes chemical, thermal, electrical and radiofrequency methods, according to the March 2002 CPT Assistant.
Neurosurgery Coding Alert
- Get the Most Out of PLIF
Don't overlook the chance to report bone grafts Before you report posterior lumbar interbody fusion [...] - Access Reoperative Codes for Postlaminectomy Syndrome
Turn to modifier -50 for bilateral procedures When your neurosurgeon performs surgical treatment for postlaminectomy [...] - 3 Pointers Help Optimize Your Radiosurgery Claims
You can report 61793 more than once for multiple lesions If you're reporting stereotactic radiosurgery, [...] - You Be the Coder:
What's the Limit for 22851?
Question: How should I code if the surgeon places multiple instrumentation cages? What about threaded [...] - Bundling's the Thing for Mental Status Exams
Counseling could lead to time-based E/M coding When you code a mini-mental status exam (MMSE), [...] - Look to the Original Procedure For Modifiers -78 and -79
To decide between modifiers -78 and -79 for a procedure during the postoperative period of [...] - Reader Questions:
Don't Bill Separately for 'Minimal' Diskectomy
Question: The surgeon's documentation specified anterior arthrodesis with diskectomy. I reported 63075 and 22554, but [...] - Reader Questions:
Same Stay = Follow-up Consult
Question: Our surgeon was called for an inpatient consult with an auto-vehicle-accident patient. The patient [...] - Reader Questions:
3 Vertebrae Doesn't Mean 3 Fusions
Question: If the surgeon fuses vertebrae L1 through L3, should I report 22612, 22614, or [...] - Reader Questions:
Payer Matters for Dead-Patient Discharge
Question: Can our surgeon file a claim for pronouncing a patient dead? This sometimes requires [...] - Reader Questions:
64721 Covers CTS Surgery
Question: Which code describes surgical treatment of CTS?
Oklahoma Subscriber
Answer: For surgical repair of carpal tunnel [...] - Reader Questions:
Destruction Codes Describe RFTC
Question: How can I report the use of radiofrequency thermal coagulation (RFTC) to disable the [...]
