Wiki Aftercare code

[stephanie2015]

We are a Neurosurgeons office that perform for ex ACDF, PLIF, Lami so on. My question is since we are neurosurgeons for our aftercare code for the ACDF, PLIFs, Lamis do we use the Z48.89 Encounter for other specified surgical aftercare or should we use the Z47.89 Encounter for orthopedic aftercare?

 

[thomas7331]

The specialty of the provider never affects ICD-10 code choice - codes are chosen based only on the documentation. Some of the procedures you mention are listed as musculoskeletal procedures in CPT whereas others are listed as nervous system procedures, but my inclination would be to use Z48.89 since these aren't strictly orthopedic procedures. However, both Z47.89 and Z48.89 are non-specific codes so I'm not sure that it really makes very much difference one way or the other. I would say to pick the one you think most accurately represents what the documentation shows for a given encounter, i.e. whether the intent of the procedure was to address an orthopedic issue or a neurological issue.