kenbeckman
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When CPT designates a code as Add-on with the '+' sign, the code is exempt from the multiple procedure concept. But the add-on codes are specific to one or more base codes.
CPT says that the add-on codes are always performed in addition to the primary service procedure.
What happens when the base code to which the add-on code is attached is not the primary surgical code but the base code is itself a secondary code subject to multiple procedure reduction?
As an example:
22802 - posterior arthodesis is primary
22214 lumbar osteotomy is secondary subject to multiple procedure reduction
BUT 22216 (billed for second and third level osteotomies) is an add-on code and NOT subject to multiple procedure reduction.
Logically, one should reduce the 22216 because the base code to which it is attached 22214 has already been reduced - but it does not work that way.
Thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
CPT says that the add-on codes are always performed in addition to the primary service procedure.
What happens when the base code to which the add-on code is attached is not the primary surgical code but the base code is itself a secondary code subject to multiple procedure reduction?
As an example:
22802 - posterior arthodesis is primary
22214 lumbar osteotomy is secondary subject to multiple procedure reduction
BUT 22216 (billed for second and third level osteotomies) is an add-on code and NOT subject to multiple procedure reduction.
Logically, one should reduce the 22216 because the base code to which it is attached 22214 has already been reduced - but it does not work that way.
Thoughts would be greatly appreciated.