Pain Management Coding Alert
Remember Debridement Is Part of Pulse Generator Removal
PDF
Question: Our pain management provider removed two leads and a pulse generator due to the patient’s cellulitis over the pocket of the generator. The cellulitic area was excised and the internal pulse generator capsule was excised in its entirety. How should we code the debridement of the pocket?
Virginia Subscriber
Answer: Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) edits bundle repair codes with your CPT® code in question: 63688 (Revision or removal of implanted spinal neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver). Most payers probably consider the debridement as part of the removal code, which is part of 63688.
No two cases are exactly alike, however, so there might be times when you’re justified in reporting both the debridement and removal/repair. You’ll need to study the documentation to verify whether this might be the case, such as when the debridement is a separate procedure such as performed in a different anatomic area instead of a component of removing the pulse generator and preparing the pocket wound closure.
Pain Management Coding Alert
- Code Update:
Add These J and S Code Changes to Your HCPCS Mix
Tip: Play close attention to morphine and propofol administrations. The latest HCPCS code update – [...] - Reimbursement:
Here's Your Guide to What CMS Wants in Concurrent Care
Follow these 4 steps to help boost your bottom line. It’s not uncommon for a [...] - ICD-10:
Prepare Now for Extensive Diagnosis Changes for Painful Joints
Check out how much more detailed your choices will be in 2015. A patient reporting [...] - Reader Question:
Watch Place of Service for Correct Ultrasound Guidance Code
Question: Is it feasible to use ultrasound rather than fluoroscopy for guidance when inserting a lumbar [...] - Reader Question:
Rhizotomy Usually Means Anesthesia Code for Pain Management Provider
Question: What are the correct surgical and anesthesia codes for facet rhizotomy? Tennessee Subscriber Answer: Rhizotomy is [...] - Reader Question:
Remember Debridement Is Part of Pulse Generator Removal
Question: Our pain management provider removed two leads and a pulse generator due to the patient’s [...] - Reader Question:
Multiple Add-Ons Can Be OK for Paravertebral Facet Joint Injections
Question: Our physician documented that he administered injections to the patient’s L1, L2, L3, L4, and [...] - Reader Question:
Continuous TAP Block Leads You to 'Unlisted' Code
Question: Our physician used a TAP (Transverses Abdominis Plane) block for postoperative pain relief after anterior [...] - Reader Question:
Be Cautious About Overusing ABNs
Question: I recently started working at a practice that I think overuses ABNs. Is there [...] - You Be the Coder:
Reporting J Codes for Pain Management Pumps
Question: I’m confused about how to bill J codes for pain management pumps. Here’s an example [...]