Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: How should I report intradiscal electro-thermal annuloplasty (IDEA)?

Nevada Subscriber

Answer: For now, code 64999 (Unlisted procedure, nervous system) 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 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.