Coding a Discectomy with a Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Question:

Can we code a laminectomy for disc herniation, such as 63030 or 63042, with a TLIF/PLIF code (22630, 22633)?

Answer:

Good question! There was an update in CPT 2022 to this very complicated and lengthy issue. No – a discectomy may not be separately reported (e.g., 63030, 63042, 63056) since it is required for the posterior lumbar interbody fusion. However, there are new codes – +63052 and +63053 – that may be separately reported when a unilateral or bilateral laminectomy/facetectomy/foraminotomy for decompression is performed. Learn more from our recent 2022 CPT Update for Spine Surgery webinar here:https://karenzupko.com/2022-cpt-update-for-spine-surgery/

*This response is based on the best information available as of 02/24/22.

Coding for Vascularized Pericranial Graft

Question:

Can we code for harvest of vascularized pericranial graft during a left temporal craniotomy for resection of epidural abscess? If so what code should I use?

Answer:

No, that is not billable since it the graft was obtained through the same surgical exposure as the primary procedure.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 02/10/22.

Use of an Endoscope

Question:

If an endoscope is used to check for residual tumor or ensure an aneurysm is clipped, is there a code for that or should we also bill an unlisted code?

Answer:

There is no separate coding for this – ensuring that the procedure you’re billing for is adequately performed would not be separately reported.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 01/27/22.

Intraoperative Ultrasound

Question:

I see there is a code for intraoperative ultrasound, 76998. Can I code that when I use ultrasound intraoperatively to assist with tumor removal?

Answer:

No – intraoperative ultrasound is included in the tumor removal surgical CPT code and should not be separately reported by the surgeon.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 12/02/21.

ICP Monitor and EVD Placed on Both Sides

Question:

We placed an ICP monitor on the left side of the cranium and a right ventriculostomy, both using the twist drill. We know to use CPT 61107 but wondered about using modifier 50 (bilateral procedure). Thoughts?

Answer:

Medicare does not recognize modifier 50 on 61107, though some payors might or may even recognize using HCPCS II modifiers RT (right) and LT (left). We suggest you report 61107 and 61107-59 (or modifier XS) just to be clear that the same CPT code was performed on either side of the head.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 10/29/20.

Elective Cranioplasty after Emergent Hemicraniectomy

Question:

I did an emergency craniectomy on a stroke patient 4 months ago. It is now time to reconstruct the defect and I’ll be doing that by placing some mesh and screws with Methyl methacrylate. Should I be using the 62140/62141 code series?

Answer:

Actually, CPT considers what you are doing to be “Replacement of bone flap or prosthetic plate of skull” which is 62143. You would still use 62143 even if you reconstructed the defect with the patient’s own bone flap that was stored at the bone bank or with an alloplastic implant designed for the patient.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 10/15/20.