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Neurosurgery Coding Alert

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Mayfield Head Holder/Prongs

Published on Fri May 22, 2009

Question: When our neurosurgeon performs a cervical foraminotomy, can we charge for the Mayfield head holder/prongs? Is 20660 correct? Tennessee Subscriber Answer: No, you should not report 20660 (Application of cranial tongs, caliper, or stereotactic frame, including removal [separate procedure]) separately for use of the head holder/prongs when performing cervical laminectomy (63045, Laminectomy, facetectomy and foraminotomy [unilateral or bilateral with decompression of spinal cord, cauda equina and/or nerve root(s) (e.g., spinal or lateral recess stenosis)], single vertebral segment; cervical). The national Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) specifically bundles 20660 to 63045. Additionally, CPT designates 20660 as a separate procedure and therefore not usually billable when performed along with a related procedure.
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