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Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

TruFUSE Describes Posterior Fusion

Published on Thu Aug 28, 2008

Question: How would we bill for a lumbar TruFUSE technique facet fusion? Is this 22612/22614, or should we report an unlisted procedure code? Oregon Subscriber Answer: The TruFUSE technique is a method of performing a posterior fusion with allograft. For an "open" procedure, you would report 22612 (Arthrodesis, posterior or posterolateral technique, single level; lumbar [with or without lateral transverse technique]) for the first level and +22614 (-each additional vertebral segment) for each additional level beyond the first. Should the surgeon use a percutaneous approach, you will have to rely on an unlisted procedure code, such as 22899 (Unlisted procedure, spine). Be sure to have all of the documentation on hand, if necessary, to describe the procedure in full and support your claim.
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