Wiki Interspinous process decompression

[vjefcoats]

I have a claim thats being denied by BC as experimental. T0171 insertion of posterior spinous process detraction device lumbar.

His dictation states "dilator was placed into the L4-5 interspinous ligament and then sequentially dilated until I get the sizer in. The sizer was placed and I chose a10mm sizer which tightened up the facet capsules and interspinous ligaments nicely. A 10mm implant was chosen and it was inserted in between the interspinous processes without difficulty,etc."

Is there another code that better describes this or should I have billed unlisted?

Thanks for all input!!!
Vicki

 

[RebeccaWoodward*]

Many insurance companies have polices on the XSTOP procedure (0171T). What diagnosis code did you submit? Spinal stenosis is normally the accepted diagnosis code.

 

[vjefcoats]

Spinal stenosis