Reader Question:
Vertobroplasty
Published on Mon Oct 01, 2001
Question: The crosswalk code for 22520 (percutaneous vertebroplasty, one vertebral body, unilateral or bilateral injection; thoracic) is not in the anesthesia section of CPT, and our carrier requires a CPT code. Which CPT anesthesia code would be best in this case?
Montana Subscriber
Answer: Because the corresponding code recommended by ASA (00640, anesthesia for closed procedures on cervical, lumbar or thoracic spine) is not in CPT, the most appropriate crosswalk code is 00620 (anesthesia for procedures on thoracic spine and cord; not otherwise specified) because the definition of 22520 limits the procedure to the thoracic spine. However, many carriers consider 00620 an open procedure and will not accept it for percutaneous procedure. Then, you would use 01999 (unlisted anesthesia procedure[s]). Because this decision is carrier-specific, make sure to check before you bill.
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