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2018 CPC Practice Exam Answer Key 150 Questions With Full Rationale (HCPCS, ICD-9-CM, ICD-10, CPT Codes) Click here for more sample CPC practice exam questions with Full Rationale Answers

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Click here for more sample CPC practice exam questions and answers with full rationale

Talonavicular arthrodesis CPT code

We are working on an appeal for a client that billed code 28740 for the talonavicular arthrodesis procedure. I can see multiple references of coders advising this is the correct code to use for this; however, we need to draft an appeal and can find no national sourcing to tie this to. Does anyone know of a national level coding source stating that this is the correct code (AAOS, AAPC article, etc.) so that we can appeal the "lack of documentation" denial from the payor? We have suggested going unlisted on this code, but they swear this is the correct code. The problem is, they can offer no sourcing for why it is correct either. Would really appreciate any help you could offer. :confused::confused:

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Laminectomy + arthrodesis help

Hello,
I am new to neurosurgery coding. I have an op note that states surgeon did a decompressive laminectomy on L4-L5 for disc herniation as well as posterolateral arthrodesis on same level. My question is…do I append the modifier 59 to decompression (63030) or is it included in fusion (22612)????
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

HealthCare Business Monthly article “Approach Matters for Spinal Arthrodesis”

The surgery scenario in this article does not support the billing of the corpectomy code 63081. Primarily because the operative report does not meet the definition of 63081:

[INDENT]Operative Report states: "a partial C5 corpectomy (30-40 percent) was performed , as the disk fragments had migrated inferiorly behind the C5 body, to safely retrieve the fragments to ensure that all the disk fragments were removed."

[INDENT]63081 CPT code Description: "Vertebral corpectomy (vertebral body resection), partial or complete, anterior approach with decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve roots; cervical single segment"

According to CPT Assistant, April 2016; Volume 26, Issue 4, a cervical spine requires 50% of the vertebral body removed and the thoracic and lumbar requires at least 30% of the vertebral body removed. A copy of this CPT Assistant response is attached, along with an article on insertion of biomechanical devices.

Corpectomy surgery is a high risk procedure because the bone that surrounds the patient’s spinal cord for protection is being removed either partially or completely. Taking out the vertebral body to remove disk fragments seems to be an extreme measure; especially for a herniated disk and no other medical necessity information documented. Arthritis, cervical spine stenosis are typical types of reasons a corpectomy is done.

I just wanted to point this out because of risk to patients. If I am wrong, please speak up. Thanks for reading.

Attached Files

Medical Billing and Coding Forum