Wiki coding 22851 & 22845 together?

[nhenderson]

I have been coding these two add on codes together 22851 & 22845. When I scrub the claim using Encoder pro I get no edit conflict. I just noticed a note under 22851 that says Do not report 22851 with insertion of the new instrumentation (22840-22848). I also have insurance companies including medicare paying for both codes.

Should I be billing 22851 & 22845 at the same time? Thanks for your assistance

 

[OCD_coder]

I don't have that type of note in my CPT book, AMA version and my Optum CPT version (yes I have both). You can bill for the instrumentation with an intervertebral device. As you are aware, the do no bundle.

Wonder who your CPT book was written by, it could well be an error.

 

[nhenderson]

Below I copied off of Encoder Pro Expert (see very bottom)
22851
Application of intervertebral biomechanical device(s) (eg, synthetic cage(s), methylmethacrylate) to vertebral defect or interspace (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

Section Notes - 22849-22855 Miscellaneous Spinal Instrumentation - (22849-22855)
Miscellaneous Spinal Instrumentation

EXCLUDES: Arthrodesis (22532-22534, 22548-22812)

Bone grafting procedures (20930-20938)

Exploration of spinal fusion (22830)

Facet injection (64490-64495, [64633], [64634], [64635], [64636])

Fracture treatment (22325-22328)

Do not report with insertion of the new instrumentation (22840-22848)