Eli's Rehab Report

Reader Questions:

You Won't Find a Code for an Intra-Articular Pars Injection

Question: What is the ICD-9 code for L5 pars fracture and the CPT code for an intra-articular pars injection?

Vermont subscriber

Answer: The ICD-9 code for spondylolysis (also referred to as a pars intra-articular defect) is 738.4 (Acquired spondylolisthesis) if the defect is required or 756.11 (Spondylolysis lumbosacral region) if your physiatrist determines this condition to be a congenital anomaly.
 
Unfortunately you won't be able to find a specific CPT Code for a pars intra-articularis injection. Instead look to unlisted-procedure code 22899 (Unlisted procedure spine). You could base your reimbursement on the 64475 (Injection anesthetic agent and/or steroid paravetebral facet joint or facet joint nerve; lumbar or sacral single level) facet joint injection code although anatomically that code differs from a pars intra-articular injection.
 
Note: Some providers may allow you to use the facet injection code but your diagnosis may or may not support medical necessity. 

 - You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were reviewed by Marvel Hammer RN CPC CHCO owner of MJH Consulting in Denver.

"