Wiki 63047 billed with 69990

[jonest1]

I am getting conflicting information regarding billing the microscope 69990 with 63047 lumbar laminectomy. Does anyone have a clarification on this?

 

[mhstrauss]

I am getting conflicting information regarding billing the microscope 69990 with 63047 lumbar laminectomy. Does anyone have a clarification on this?

It varies by payer. Per AMA/CPT, 69990 is not included in 63047 (see list of codes 69990 is included in, right beneath the code description--63047 is not listed). BUT CMS creates it's own policy regarding 69990. Per NCCI edits, 69990 IS included in 63047. SO if the payer follows Medicare guidelines, they probably won't pay the microscope separately.

HTH!