Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Review Process for Interspinous Distraction Device Insertion

Question: Please advise me on how to report the following procedure: Preoperative diagnosis: Severe stenosis at L3-4. Postoperative diagnosis: Severe stenosis at L3-4. Procedure performed: Placed an interspinous distraction device at L3-4. Indications: This patient had neurogenic claudication relieved with flexion. Description of procedure: An incision was made centered over the L3-4 disk space. A localizing x-ray was obtained. We carried the incision down through the fascia and then put in a self-retaining retractor. We then found the interspinous ligament and put a couple dilators through that, measured for a distraction device of 12, put in the interspinous distraction device. After putting in a 12 trial then put over the distraction device, the plates to compress on to the spinous processes. This had good fit. We then used the locking device to lock the device in. We then thoroughly irrigated the wound, closed the wound in layers with 0 Vicryl, [...]
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 Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 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

Other Articles in this issue of

Neurosurgery Coding Alert

View All