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Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Reader questions:

Cervical collar fitting is part of repair code

Published on Thu Jan 21, 2010

Question: Can we code for fitting of a cervical collar following closed treatment, or is that included in the E/M service? Maryland Subscriber Answer: Casting or bracing is part of the service represented by 22310 (Closed treatment of vertebral body fracture[s], without manipulation, requiring and including casting or bracing) and 22315 (Closed treatment of vertebral fracture[s] and/or dislocation[s] requiring casting or bracing, with and including casting and/or bracing, with or without anesthesia, by manipulation or traction). Supply bonus: You also can bill for the collar. Your most likely choices are L0120 (Cervical, flexible, nonadjustable [foam collar]), L0130 (Cervical, flexible, thermoplastic collar, molded to patient), or L0140 (Cervical, semi-rigid, adjustable [plastic collar]). Choose your code based on the type of collar used.
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