Wiki tumor resection with nerve decompression

[achannon]

I am trying to locate information in writing if it is appropriate to bill for a nerve decompression along with a brain tumor resection. I have one person saying that it is additional work and that we should be billing the additional code and I have another that is saying that it is part of the tumor resection and we should not be billing an additional code possibly a modifier 22 but not an additional code. there is no documentation of issues with the nerve compression just that the tumor embedded the nerve in the operative report. Either way I need written documentation to support whether it is or is not appropriate to bill the additional code. Does anyone know where any information can be located?

 

[sarab86]

The nerve decompression would be incidental to the tumor removed. If debulking the tumor happens to decompress the nerve then you cant bill any extra work.

 

[achannon]

where is the documentation to support this, I agree but know without documentation I will not be able to convince the provider to change his stance.