Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Question: What is the best code to use for X STOP spinal stenosis surgery? Minnesota Subscriber Answer: The American Association of Neurological Surgeons recommends 0171T (Insertion of posterior spinous process distraction device [including necessary removal of bone or ligament for insertion and imaging guidance], lumbar; single level) because inserting an x stop still is considered an emerging technology. If your physician treats additional levels, add +0172T (... each additional level [List separately in addition to code for primary procedure]). Include the appropriate diagnosis for spinal stenosis, such as 724.0x (Spinal stenosis, other than cervical). Neurosurgery Coding Alert/2009, Vol. 10, No. 13 To subscribe, call (800) 508-2582 Page  03 During x-stop spinal surgery, your physician inserts the implant through a small incision in the patient's back. He places the implant between the spinous processes of the lower vertebrae (which means you'll probably choose the best diagnosis from 724.0x). The x-stop is [...]