I have a question and could use guidance/direction, please.
My spine surgeon performed procedures in January - PLIF T12-L3, and reinserts hardware from L2-S1. Also performs an ALIF L2-S1 with interbody cages L3-L5.
Patient is returning for loose hardware on 3/3. Posteriorly a screw removed @ T12 due to movement of screw. This is not replaced.
He removes screws from L2-S1( previous placement in January) due to rod disengagement and reinserted necessary screws for appropriate correction to hardware at these levels. Fusion is also explored at this time.
QUESTION: I am wanting to code 22849-78 (reinsertion of spinal fixation device) & 22830-51,78 (Exploration of fusion). Does the screw being removed at the T12 level justify coding 22852 (removal of posterior segmental instrumentation) because it was not reinserted or would a different CPT, such as 20680 be added or would no additional CPT be appropriate in this scenario?
Thank you for your time for your thoughts.
My spine surgeon performed procedures in January - PLIF T12-L3, and reinserts hardware from L2-S1. Also performs an ALIF L2-S1 with interbody cages L3-L5.
Patient is returning for loose hardware on 3/3. Posteriorly a screw removed @ T12 due to movement of screw. This is not replaced.
He removes screws from L2-S1( previous placement in January) due to rod disengagement and reinserted necessary screws for appropriate correction to hardware at these levels. Fusion is also explored at this time.
QUESTION: I am wanting to code 22849-78 (reinsertion of spinal fixation device) & 22830-51,78 (Exploration of fusion). Does the screw being removed at the T12 level justify coding 22852 (removal of posterior segmental instrumentation) because it was not reinserted or would a different CPT, such as 20680 be added or would no additional CPT be appropriate in this scenario?
Thank you for your time for your thoughts.