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Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Find IDET Options in CPT and HCPCs

Published on Mon Mar 22, 2004

Question: What is the CPT Code for intradiskal electrothermal therapy (IDET)?

Oklahoma Subscriber Answer: CPT does not include a specific IDET code, so most coders turn to 64999 (Unlisted procedure, nervous system).

If the carrier for which you are billing accepts "S" codes, you can report HCPCS codes S2370 (Intradiskal electrothermal therapy, single interspace) and S2371 (Each additional interspace [list separately in addition to code for primary procedure]) as appropriate.

Many insurers (including Medicare) still consider IDET an experimental procedure. You should include notes supporting medical necessity to help increase your chances of reimbursement. Diagnoses that help justify IDET include 724.2 (Lumbago), 722.73 (Intervertebral disk disorder with myelopathy; lumbar region), 722.10-722.11 (Displacement of thoracic or lumbar intervertebral disc without myelopathy) and 724.3 (Sciatica).

The patient must have pain for three months or longer before he is a candidate for IDET treatments.
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