Neurosurgery Coding Alert
Use Unlisted for Stabbing in the Back
Question: We have a patient who was stabbed in the back, and my doctor removed the knife, which was lodged within the body of S1.-Should I report an unlisted procedure code? Maryland Subscriber Answer: Because CPT contains no code for foreign body removal from the spine, you should report unlisted procedure code 22899 (Unlisted procedure, spine). Helpful hint: When reporting an unlisted-procedure code, include a full description of the procedure so the payer can determine the correct payment. As always when using unlisted-procedure codes, you should include the report to identify the specific effort involved, for example, using 63268 (Laminectomy for excision or evacuation of intraspinal lesion other than neoplasm, extradural; sacral) as a comparison if the physician used a posterior laminectomy with extradural approach.
Neurosurgery Coding Alert
- Look for These Terms to Keep Laminotomy Straight From Laminectomy
These -occasional- modifiers let you report both procedures at the same level. You can stop [...] - You Be the Coder:
Abbott Allograft Bone for ACDF
Question: Our neurosurgeon used "Abbott" allograft bone for an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). [...] - CCI 15.0 Update:
Include New Radiosurgery Code as Part of 20 Neuro Procedures
Tip: Adhere to new arthroplasty bundles by following CPT guidelines. Don't panic when you see [...] - News You Can Use:
Medicare Lowers Conversion Factor to $36.0666 for 2009
But you won't feel as much of a crunch, thanks to a budget neutrality adjustment. [...] - Reader Questions:
Count Fluoro As Part of the Major Procedure
Question: When our surgeon performs spinal fusions, he often dictates the use of fluoroscopic guidance [...] - Reader Questions:
Use Unlisted for Stabbing in the Back
Question: We have a patient who was stabbed in the back, and my doctor removed [...] - Reader Questions:
Define 'Mutually Exclusive' and 'Bundled'
Question: Would you explain what the differences are between mutually exclusive and "column 1/column 2" [...] - Reader Questions:
Draw the Line Between Segmental, Nonsegmental
Question: How can I determine segmental from nonsegmental spinal instrumentation? North Dakota Subscriber Answer: For [...] - Reader Questions:
Post-Op Care Includes Halo Adjustments
Question: How can we code for adjusting a cervical halo without using anesthesia? Indiana Subscriber
[...] - Reader Questions:
Turn to Twist Drill/Burr Hole for Monitor Placement
Question: What is the correct code for placement of right frontal Camino intracranial pressure monitor?Arizona [...]
