Neurosurgery Coding Alert
READER QUESTIONS:
Check Fee Schedule Before Bilateral Coding
Published on Wed Aug 23, 2006
Question: Can I report 63655 twice with a bilateral modifier when my physician performs the procedure bilaterally?
Virginia Subscriber
Answer: No. According to the Medicare Physician fee schedule, you cannot bilaterally report 63655 (Laminectomy for implantation of neurostimulator electrodes, plate/paddle, epidural). This code has an indicator of -0- in the -BILAT SURG- column of the database, which means the payment adjustment for bilateral services does not apply to this code.
Bonus: You can apply modifiers LT (Left side) and RT (Right side) to the single code 63655 for informational purposes even though it won't affect your reimbursement.
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