Orthopedic Coding Alert

The P and A in PLIF, ALIF, TLIF, and XLIF signal base code. When your orthopedist indicates PLIF, TLIF, or similar procedures in his operative notes you know he completed spinal fusion, but might not understand much more unless you focus on the approach. Heads up: "When coding for any of these procedures, the coder needs to be most aware of the area of approach," says Judy Larson, CPC, with Rockford Orthopedic in Rockford, Ill. Learn the differences between four of the most common types and how to report them to keep from tripping up your claims. PLIF Points to Posterior Code PLIF is an acronym for posterior lumbar interbody fusion. Your surgeon reaches the vertebrae through an incision in the patient's back. He removes the affected disc and surrounding tissue, then prepares the bone surfaces of adjacent vertebrae for fusion. He completes the procedure by inserting a bone graft, structural [...]