Neurosurgery Coding Alert
Know When to Code for Gill-Type Laminectomy
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the surgeon performed “laminectomy, Gill type.” I’m at a loss; how should I code for a Gill-type laminectomy? AAPC Forum Subscriber Answer: For this surgery, you would report 63012 (Laminectomy with removal of abnormal facets and/or pars inter-articularis with decompression of cauda equina and nerve roots for spondylolisthesis, lumbar (Gill type procedure)). Definition: In a Gill-type laminectomy, the surgeon removes a portion of the lamina and facet to decompress the spinal cord or nerve roots. This procedure is performed in the setting of spondylolysis. The surgeon makes an incision along the midline of the back, then removes the spinous process and the affected part of the lamina to access the spinal canal. Your surgeon might perform this procedure to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots; conditions that can call for a Gill-type laminectomy include spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and tumors. 
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