Neurosurgery Coding Alert

The P and A in PLIF, ALIF, TLIF, and XLIF signal your base code. When your neurosurgeon indicates PLIF, TLIF, or similar procedures in his operative notes, you know he completed a spinal fusion, but might not understand much more unless you focus on the approach. Learn the differences between four of the most common types and how to report them to keep from tripping up your claims. Heads up: "When coding for any of these procedures, the coder needs to be most aware of the area of approach," says Judy Larson, CPC, with Rockford Orthopedic in Illinois. When you check the operative notes and verify techniques with your surgeon, your spinal fusion coding will be well on its way to payment. PLIF Points to Posterior Code PLIF is an acronym for posterior lumbar interbody fusion. Your surgeon reaches the vertebrae through an incision in the patient's back. He removes the [...]