Instrumentation Removal vs. Exploration

Question:

My coder told me that if spinal instrumentation is removed and exploration performed but nothing else done, we would code for exploration but not for the removal of instrumentation.   Why wouldn't we bill instrumentation removal vs exploration?

Answer:

When spinal instrumentation is removed for the purpose of exploration, we would code the exploration CPT code 22830; the instrumentation removal is included in the exploration. 

*This response is based on the best information available as of 6/05/25.