Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Vertebroplasty codes cover thoracic, lumbar and each additional thoracic or lumbar vertebral body, as indicated in the code descriptors:

- 22520--Percutaneous vertebroplasty, one vertebral body, unilateral or bilateral injection; thoracic

- 22521--- lumbar

- +22522--- each additional thoracic or lumbar vertebral body (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure).

The kyphoplasty descriptors follow the same pattern as the vertebroplasty descriptors:

- 22523--Percutaneous vertebral augmentation, including cavity creation (fracture reduction and bone biopsy included when performed) using mechanical device, one vertebral body, unilateral or bilateral cannulation (e.g., kyphoplasty); thoracic

- 22524--- lumbar

- +22525--- each additional thoracic or lumbar vertebral body (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure).

Note that all of these codes apply to unilateral or bilateral procedures. You would not append modifier 50 (Bilateral procedure) or expect additional payment if the surgeon injected the same vertebral body on each side.