Wiki BCBS won't pay 29826 to an AS

kelly.armstrong

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Our surgeon performed 29806 and 29826. I coded 29826 for his AS but did not code 29806 as it is not payable to as AS. BCBS denied 29826 because it was billed without a primary code. Does anyone know the correct way to bill 29286 to an AS when a primary code is not billed also?

Thank you!

Kelly
 
The add-on code does require an appropriate base code per CPT guidelines. My recommendation would be to bill both codes (assuming this provider actually did assist with both procedures) even if the base code itself doesn't reimburse for the assistant. (A payer reimbursement policy doesn't mean that it's incorrect coding to bill the code, if in fact that's what was done.) If that doesn't work, then you may need to submit a written appeal explaining why this should be paid.
 
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