Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Operating Microscope

Question: We are receiving denials for 69990 when billed with spine procedures. Is anyone else getting paid for this?

Colorado Subscriber  
Answer: Code 69990 (use of operating microscope [list separately in addition to code for primary procedure]) applies to complex spinal surgeries. Medicare will not reimburse for 69990, but private payers should. While you may get some initial denials, many coders report having success with appeals. To bolster your documentation with these claims, include a copy of the coding information from the North American Spine Societys Common Coding Scenarios for Spine Procedures & Injection Techniques. 
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

Orthopedic 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.