In these procedures, the surgeon removes the entire facet joint so that more disc material can be excised during the procedure to decrease nerve retraction. These procedures are only performed on one side of the spine — not bilaterally, which would result in spinal instability. An example of coding for the PLIF procedure performed at two levels — L3-4 and L4-5 using cages and a morcellized autograft harvested from the iliac crest — would be:
22612
22630
63047-59
22842
22851
22851-59
22614
22632
63048
20937
38220-59
76000-59-TC
L8699
Learn more about Ellis Medical Consulting.
The information provided should be utilized for educational purposes only. Please consult with your billing and coding expert. Facilities are ultimately responsible for verifying the reporting policies of individual commercial and MAC/FI carriers prior to claim submissions.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.
