Radiology Coding Alert
Vertebroplasty
Anonymous Alabama Subscriber
Answer: Percutaneous Polymethylmethacrylate Vertebroplasty (PPV) is a hot topic in radiology coding and was discussed at several sessions during the recent Radio-logy Business Managers Association (RBMA) conference in San Diego. The procedure is defined as a therapeutic, interventional radiologic procedure, which consists of the injection of a biomaterial (usually methyl methacrylate), into a cervical, thoracic or lumbar vertebral body lesion for the relief of pain and the strengthening of bone.
Our reader is correct in stating that national Medicare policy still considers vertebroplasty an investigational procedureand therefore will not reimburse these claims. It is unlikely a discrete CPT code will be assigned for at least a year. However, a number of local carriers have begun to review their policiesTexas, Washington and Tennessee, for instanceand some are paying for the procedure. In these instances 22899 (unlisted procedure, spine) is typically being accepted.
Radiology coders should check with their local carriers to learn how PPV is viewed in their area and code the procedure accordingly.
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