I need some advice about using an add-on code for lumbar discectomies. Dr. performed laminectomy at L1-2 and then made a new incision and performed laminectomy at L4-5? Should I just use the add-on code of 63047 and 63048 or should I use 63047, 63048, 63048-59, 63048-59 to indicate that Dr. surgeon performed L1, L2, L4, L5 laminectomies? He did indeed peforme 4 laminectomies to decompress the spinal cord. Notice the space between those levels (L2-3). Thank you, Jill CPC
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Wiki spine coding question
- Thread starter jmaelzer
- Start date
RebeccaWoodward*
True Blue
Based on what you provided...
L1-L2=63047
L4-L5=63048
If he performed lam's on the other segments, he needs to list them individually...documentation is critical for spine surgery.
One thing I should mention, also...63030 is typically performed for treatment of herniated disc and 63047 is typically performed for treatment of stenosis. Just wanted to make sure nothing was over looked.
L1-L2=63047
L4-L5=63048
If he performed lam's on the other segments, he needs to list them individually...documentation is critical for spine surgery.
One thing I should mention, also...63030 is typically performed for treatment of herniated disc and 63047 is typically performed for treatment of stenosis. Just wanted to make sure nothing was over looked.
Last edited:
laminectomies
Thank-you, Rebecca for your advice about coding different levels of laminectomies. I typically use the 63047, 63048, 63048-59, 63948-59 for four different laminectomies L1, L2, L4, L5. Is that correct? One of our surgeons went to a conference and learned that he could be reimbursed for removal of any part of the lamina on each lamina documented. Is that your understanding of correct coding for L1-2, L4-5? (for decompression) Thank you, Jill
Thank-you, Rebecca for your advice about coding different levels of laminectomies. I typically use the 63047, 63048, 63048-59, 63948-59 for four different laminectomies L1, L2, L4, L5. Is that correct? One of our surgeons went to a conference and learned that he could be reimbursed for removal of any part of the lamina on each lamina documented. Is that your understanding of correct coding for L1-2, L4-5? (for decompression) Thank you, Jill
RebeccaWoodward*
True Blue
If his documentation states...
Laminectomies performed at L1-L2 L2-L3 L3-L4 L4-L5
Then I would agree with your coding scenario:
63047
63048
63048-59
63048-59
Our carriers also want to see 59 on the additional "add on" levels.
Laminectomies performed at L1-L2 L2-L3 L3-L4 L4-L5
Then I would agree with your coding scenario:
63047
63048
63048-59
63048-59
Our carriers also want to see 59 on the additional "add on" levels.