• If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ & read the forum rules. To view all forums, post or create a new thread, you must be an AAPC Member. If you are a member and have already registered for member area and forum access, you can log in by clicking here. If you've forgotten the password it can be reset on our sign in section by entering your registered Email Address or Username here. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below..

Wiki Discectomy/laminectomy

Create Wiki
J

JEM$

New
Local Chapter Officer
Messages
3
Location
Prosperity, SC
Best answers
0
I am a new coder at a spine/ortho ASC. The doctor here routinely performs laminectomies and discectomies, and dictates them in the op report as microdiskectomy and laminectomy for decompression. My question is- can these procedures be separately reported? For example, an L2-3 laminectomy and L2-3 discectomy. The current practice has been to report 63030 and 63047. I have seen previous claims were both were reported but I am not getting a clear answer on whether or not this is allowed.
Apppreciate any advice!
Here is a sample from a typical op report if it helps:
PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES:
1. L2-3 disk herniation.
2. Lumbar stenosis.

POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES:
1. L2-3 disk herniation.
2. Lumbar stenosis.

OPERATIONS PERFORMED:
1. L2-3 laminectomy for decompression.
2. L2-3 microdiskectomy.
3. Annular repair.
4. L2-3 facet fusion with allograft bone.
 
NCCI edits bundle 63030 into 63047. It's one or the other (depending on complete documentation) unless a different level is involved. Appending modifier 59 can bypass 63030 through the edits but if ever audited, this money will be recouped.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top