Neurosurgery Coding Alert
New Codes on the Way for IDEA
Nevada Subscriber
Answer: For now, the unlisted procedure, nervous system code (64999) is the best choice for IDEA procedures, but as of July 1, 2004, you should instead choose from two new "early-release" category III CPT codes: 0062T (Percutaneous intradiscal annuloplasty, any method, unilateral or bilateral including fluoroscopic guidance; single level) and +0063T (... one or more additional levels [list separately in addition to 0062T for primary procedure]).
But 0062T/0063T will not receive a relative value unit (RVU) rating. Individual payers (rather than the yearly fee schedule) will determine reimbursement (and coverage) for these procedures. Because many payers still consider IDEA an experimental procedure, you may not receive any payment. Nonetheless, correct coding principles dictate that you should still report the procedure.
For complete information on 0062T/0063T and other early-release category III codes for 2004, visit the AMA Web site http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/article/print/3885-4897.html.
Neurosurgery Coding Alert
- 5 Ways to Prop Up Your Instrumentation Claims
Mastering terms and modifiers makes the difference
If you're bewildered by the mysteries of spinal instrumentation, [...] - 4 Pointers Make 'Add-on' Codes Easy
CPT is full of "add-on" codes, from minor and major surgical procedures to E/M services, [...] - 3 Important Steps for Co-Surgery Reimbursement
Success requires modifier -62 and physician-to-physician cooperation
When reporting co-surgeries, operating surgeons must carefully coordinate [...] - Avoid the Modifier -62/-80 Mix-up
When trying to decide between modifiers -62 (Two surgeons) and -80 (Assistant surgeon) when more [...] - Reader Question:
Use Initial Inpatient Consults for Nursing Homes
Question: Which codes should I use when the physician has been called into the nursing [...] - Reader Question:
Foraminotomy and Facetectomy Go Hand-in-Hand
Question: Our surgeon performed a laminectomy with bilateral foraminotomies with decompression of the spinal cord/nerve [...] - Reader Question:
New Kyphoplasty Codes Don't Guarantee Payment
Question: I have heard that HCPCS was releasing a new code for kyphoplasty this year. [...] - Reader Question:
Report Operating Microscope With Caution - Reader Question:
Try to Avoid 'Generalized' Weakness
Question: Which ICD-9 code should I use for progressive generalized weakness?
Alaska Subscriber
Answer: For generalized weakness [...] - Reader Question:
Count Global Days With Modifiers
Question: I understand that modifier -57 is appropriate when a physician makes a decision for [...] - You Be The Coder:
New Codes on the Way for IDEA
Question: How can I report intradiscal electrothermal annuloplasty (IDEA)?
Nevada Subscriber
Answer: For now, the unlisted [...]
