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Anesthesia Coding Alert

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Can You Bill Biopsy With Kyphoplasty?

Published on Mon Mar 21, 2005

Question: Our physician administered anesthesia during a case involving a biopsy along with kyphoplasty. How should I code this?

Arizona Subscriber

Answer: Only code for the kyphoplasty; the time and units associated with it will include the biopsy.
 
CPT does not include codes for kyphoplasty, so opinions on coding can vary. Some coders recommend 22899 (Unlisted procedure, spine), which crosses to anesthesia code 00630 (Anesthesia for procedures in lumbar region; not otherwise specified).
 
Other coders recommend 22520 (Percutaneous vertebroplasty, one vertebral body, unilateral or bilateral injection; thoracic) or 22521 (... lumbar), which cross to anesthesia code 01905 (Anesthesia for myelography, diskography, vertebroplasty). Check with the carrier for specific coding guidelines.  
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