Cheryl O
Contributor
A patient had right L4 unilateral laminectomy, partial facectomy, and foraminotomy with lateral disc excision in the neural foramen.
The OP notes states "the interspace on the right at L4-5 was approacehd microscopically and a rightl L4 unilateral laminectomy was perfromed and the existing L4 and L5 nerve root was decompressed with a partial facetecomy and foraminotomies. Stenosis of the canal and lateral recess was relieved. Foraminitomies were preformed. Thickened ligamentum flavum and facet capsular hypertrophy was removed. A lateral contained L4-5 foraminal disc protrusion was noted and removed microspocically that contributed to foraminal stenosis."
The charge received is for 63030, Laminotomy (hemilaminectomy), with decompression of nerve root(s), including partial facetectomy, foraminotomy and/or excision of herniated intervertebral disc; 1 interspace, lumbar.
The facility is also wanting to bill for 63047, Laminectomy, facetectomy and foraminotomy (unilateral or bilateral with decompression of spinal cord, cauda equina and/or nerve root, [eg, spinal or lateral recess stenosis]), single vertebral segment; lumbar.
With all the information I read, the 63047 makes more sense for this specific procedure, since the pt does have spinal stenosis. But, I am definately not sure which is correct, or are both codes correct for the proceure/procedures performed.
Any help would be greatly appreciated in understanding these 2 specific codes.
Cheryl
The OP notes states "the interspace on the right at L4-5 was approacehd microscopically and a rightl L4 unilateral laminectomy was perfromed and the existing L4 and L5 nerve root was decompressed with a partial facetecomy and foraminotomies. Stenosis of the canal and lateral recess was relieved. Foraminitomies were preformed. Thickened ligamentum flavum and facet capsular hypertrophy was removed. A lateral contained L4-5 foraminal disc protrusion was noted and removed microspocically that contributed to foraminal stenosis."
The charge received is for 63030, Laminotomy (hemilaminectomy), with decompression of nerve root(s), including partial facetectomy, foraminotomy and/or excision of herniated intervertebral disc; 1 interspace, lumbar.
The facility is also wanting to bill for 63047, Laminectomy, facetectomy and foraminotomy (unilateral or bilateral with decompression of spinal cord, cauda equina and/or nerve root
With all the information I read, the 63047 makes more sense for this specific procedure, since the pt does have spinal stenosis. But, I am definately not sure which is correct, or are both codes correct for the proceure/procedures performed.
Any help would be greatly appreciated in understanding these 2 specific codes.
Cheryl