Advanced Search

Neurosurgery Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Let Harvest Procedure Guide Your Coding

Published on Wed Jul 26, 2006

Question: When my neurosurgeon harvests bone marrow for a graft, should I report 38220 for the harvesting and then 20926 for the grafting to the site?


Nevada Subscriber
 

Answer: No. You cannot report both 38220 (Bone marrow; aspiration only) and 20926 (Tissue grafts, other [e.g., paratenon, fat, dermis]) together. You should use 38220 if the neurosurgeon aspirates the bone marrow--for example, using a needle or trocar. If the neurosurgeon performs an open harvest of the bone marrow via an incision, you should report 20926. There is no separate code for the placement of graft tissue.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Neurosurgery Coding Alert

View All