Advanced Search

Anesthesia Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Learn What Merits 00670 Over 00630

Published on Sun Jul 11, 2010

Question: One of our providers uses 00630 for a lumbar microdiscectomy. Can the procedure qualify for 00670 and earn additional RVUs?Minnesota Subscriber Answer: Your provider is correct in reporting 00630 (Anesthesia for procedures in lumbar region; not otherwise specified) for a lumbar microdiscectomy, unless documentation supports the "extensive procedure" requirement of 00670 (Anesthesia for extensive spine and spinal cord procedures [e.g., spinal instrumentation or vascular procedures]).Difference: CPT includes 00670 for spinal instrumentation or multiple levels. CPT does not include a concrete definition of "extensive," but some experts say to consider any spinal surgery involving more than one level "extensive." Also, check the operative notes for details such as "lumbar laminectomy at L4/5, L5/S1" or "lumbar laminectomy with instrumentation." Both of these cases would point to 00670, which carries 13 relative value units (RVUs) instead of the 8 RVUs associated with 00630.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Anesthesia Coding Alert

View All