Advanced Search

Neurosurgery Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Turn To Unlisted Code for Buttress Plate Attached To One Vertebra

Published on Tue Jul 17, 2012

Question: Our patient previously (in the past six months) had direct lateral interbody fusion utilizing medtronics system with intervertebral cage placement with bone graft. The patient recently returned, stating he had a fall and the MRI impression stated intervertebral cage had displaced. Our physician took the patient back to OR and removed the extruded cage and replaced a with larger cage with new bone graft and placed buttress plate using the direct lateral approach.Would this be considered a refusion, and in that case, do we report both 22558 and 22851? Or would we only report 22851?New York SubscriberAnswer: Since this procedure is being repeated outside of the 90 day global period, one would report 22558 (Arthrodesis, anterior interbody technique, including minimal discectomy to prepare interspace [other than for decompression]; lumbar) for the approach and revision of the lateral lumbar interbody arthrodesis, Although one can report 22851 (Application of intervertebral biomechanical [...]
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

Which Codify by AAPC tool is right for you?

Call 844-334-2816 to speak with a Codify by AAPC specialist now.