Reader Question:
Include CO2 Laser in Diskectomy Charge
Published on Sun Sep 12, 2004
Question: Should we charge more if we use a CO2 laser during diskectomy? For instance, is there an add-on code to describe use of the laser, or can I append modifier -22 to the diskectomy code?
New Mexico Subscriber Answer: No, you should not charge extra when you use CO2 laser during diskectomy. CPT does not include a code - add-on or otherwise - to describe the CO2 laser service, nor can you justify appending modifier -22 (Unusual procedural services) to any diskectomy code, because use of the laser is included in the description associated with 62287 (Aspiration or decompression procedure, percutaneous, of nucleus pulposus of intervertebral disk, any method, single or multiple levels, lumbar [e.g., manual or automated percutaneous diskectomy, percutaneous laser diskectomy]). - You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were reviewed by Heidi Stout, CPC, CCS-P, reimbursement manager at UMDNJ-RWJ University Orthopaedic Group
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