Wiki 22830 Exploration with 22852 Removal

[janet@drlb.net]

Can someone clarify the current rules on what may be billed with 22830 (exploration of spinal fusion), when performed at the same spinal level?
I'm finding conflicting advice, some of which may be outdated. Rules state that it should only be reported when nothing else is done at that level, but NCCI edits do allow some procedures. Can a 22852 hardware removal be billed? NCCI edits do bundle 22830 into 22852.
I'm billing for a new client that is submitting these combinations.

 

[sarab86]

Is the entire case just an Exploration with segmental removal? Per AANS you can bill the two together however I have yet to be paid for 22830 under any circumstance even with supplying the AANS backup.