Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Test yourself with these 6 questions about the edits, deletions and additions If you-re still trying to get a grip on the changes in the 2006 CPT, take this quiz. These questions will test just how well you understand the new kyphoplasty and drug administration changes. 

Hint: You can find all the quiz answers in the CPT Update 2006 articles in the December 2005 issue. Question 1: Which of the following codes would you use to report a kyphoplasty procedure a neurosurgeon performs on a single lumbar vertebral body?

A. 22523
B. 22524
C. S2362
D. All of the above
E. None of the above Question 2: An internist asks a neurosurgeon to perform a consultation for a patient in the hospital who is exhibiting a change in mental status. Three days later during the same inpatient stay, the neurosurgeon checks on the patient and provides subsequent neurological care. Which of the following coding scenarios might be appropriate for reporting these visits in 2006?

A. 99253 for the first visit and 99261 for the second
B. 99261 for the first visit and 99231 for the second
C. 99253 for the first visit and 99231 for the second
D. All of the above
E. None of the above Question 3: True or false: Two additional codes will help you differentiate the complexity and class of incision and drainage procedures a neurosurgeon performs. Question 4: Which CPT code should you report when the neurosurgeon must re-open and drain a patient's wound due to an infection during the postoperative period of a C3-C7 posterior spinal fusion?

A. 10140
B. 10061
C. 22010
D. 22010-78
E. None of the above Question 5: A neurosurgeon performs a balloon dilation in the innominate family and then an additional balloon dilation in the right carotid artery. How should you report this using the new codes?

A. 61640 and 61641
B. 61640 and 61642
C. 61640 x 2
D. Just 61640
E. None of the above Question 6: True or false: In 2006, you should report 96115 for neurobehavioral status exams.
 

Answer 1: B. CPT created three kyphoplasty procedure codes this year. For lumbar kyphoplasty on a single level, use 22524 (Percutaneous vertebral augmentation, including cavity creation [fracture reduction and bone biopsy included when performed] using mechanical device, one vertebral body, unilateral or bilateral cannulation [e.g., kyphoplasty]; lumbar).

But if the neurosurgeon performed a thoracic kyphoplasty, report 22523 (Percutaneous vertebral augmentation, including cavity creation [fracture reduction and [...]