Advanced Search

Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Tong Placement Is Incidental to Spinal Surgery

Published on Mon Jul 14, 2008

Question: Can our surgeon gain separate payment for placement of Gardner-Wells tongs to stabilize the head during cervical procedures (corpectomy, fusions, etc.)? New York Subscriber Answer: No, you should not report 20660 (Application of cranial tongs, caliper or stereotactic frame, including removal [separate procedure]) separately for the tongs in the cases you cite. CPT designates 20660 as a "separate procedure," which establishes that this code is incidental to any related, more extensive procedure that the surgeon provides during the same session (including corpectomy, fusion and others). Should your surgeon cite a separate indication for placement of the tongs (in other words, a distinct ICD-9 and medical necessity), you could bill 20660 separately with modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service). Don't be surprised, however, if the payer initially rejects the claim.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Neurosurgery Coding Alert

View All