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Neurosurgery Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

22851 Is the Way for PEEK

Published on Tue Jul 12, 2005

Question: What is "PEEK" and how can I code for it?


New Jersey Subscriber
Answer: "PEEK" is the acronym for poly-ethyl ethyl ketone and describes a kind of synthetic interbody cage used during interbody spinal fusion. You can report this procedure using instrumentation code 22851 (Application of intervertebral biomechanical device[s] [e.g., synthetic cage(s), threaded bone dowel(s), methylmethacrylate] to vertebral defect or interspace).

Remember, all instrumentation codes are "multiple procedure" exempt because they must be performed in combination with a primary procedure. Therefore, your payer should not reduce your fee for 22851 but should reimburse you at the full fee schedule rate. Clinical and coding expertise for You Be the Coder and Reader Questions provided by Eric Sandhusen, CHC, CPC, director of compliance for the Columbia University department of surgery.
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