Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Question: Do we report 22600 or 22610 for the fusion C7-T1?

Florida Subscriber

Answer: This is a fusion that spans two regions. In this case you may report either code for the transition between both regions. If a multilevel fusion is performed, the primary code should be based upon the spinal location where most of the fusion is performed. If only the single joint is fused, choose the code with the higher value.

In this situation, choose 22600 (Arthrodesis, posterior or posterolateral technique, single level; cervical below C2 segment) rather than 22610 (Arthrodesis, posterior or posterolateral technique, single level; thoracic [with lateral transverse technique, when performed]), although the difference in value is less than a single relative-value unit.