Wiki Post-op pain pumps

[roeschkn]

I am working with an orthopedic practice who would like to use post-op pain pumps for their shoulder and knee surgeries. Do you find most payers are considering this a bundled service? If not, what code is being used for the pump?

 

[risnerclan]

in our office we use the unlisted codes 23929 (shoulder) and 27599 (knee). Yes, there are alot that see it as inclusive but some do pay.

 

[mbort]

In the January 2007 Orthropedic Coder's Pink Sheet, there is reference on page 5 that states that it may not be separately billable, that Medicare considers this to be part of the global surgical package (See the claims processing manual, 100-4, Chap 12, section 40). Reference is also made that the AMA (CPT) agrees with this statement.

However, at the end of the article it does state:
Some private payor may allow you to negotiate payment for these implanted post-op pain pumps into your payer contracts. If so, the AAOS recommends you report 64999 for this.

Hope this helps
Mary