The code for the posterior lumbar fusion is 0SG107J, with the device value being 7 for autologous substitute. The code for the discectomy is 0SB20ZZ, with the root operation being Excision. If the operative report documents that a discectomy is performed, the correct root operation is Excision.
If both, spinal nerves and spinal cord are released, both should be coded (only report once per spinal column level/region) Diagnoses that typically require decompression to be performed at the time of spinal fusion are spinal stenosis, claudication, radiculopathy and myelopathy
Removal of hardware from a previous spinal fusion should be coded in addition to the spinal fusion. The removal of the hardware has a separate objective than the fusion ICD-10-PCS codes would be assigned for each spinal column level/region that hardware is removed from. The new spinal fusion will include any new hardware that is used
Coding Spinal Fusion: PCS vs. CPT Separately Reportable Included in Procedure Code Discectomy PCS CPT Bone Grafts CPT PCS Harvest Bone Graft (Separate Size) PCS CPT Spinal Instrumental/Fixation CPT PCS 1 more rows ...
If both, spinal nerves and spinal cord are released, both should be coded (only report once per spinal column level/region) Diagnoses that typically require decompression to be performed at the time of spinal fusion are spinal stenosis, claudication, radiculopathy and myelopathy.
There are five regions of the spine: cervical (7), thoracic (12), lumbar (5), sacrum (5 or 6) and coccyx (4) Two adjacent vertebrae separated by an interspace is called a vertebral joint. When multiple vertebral joints are involved in the spinal fusion, a separate procedure is coded for each vertebral joint that uses a different device and/or ...
A discectomy is surgical removal of any herniated or damaged disc in yours spine. Look for diagnoses such as radiculopathy, leg pain, arm pain, or myelopathy to name a few. Discectomy is coded in ICD-10-PCS as an excision or a resection.
Identifying the spinal column being fused: Anterior column (refers to the spine that is at the front of the body) Posterior column (refers to the spine that is at the back of the body)
Plates—these are typically placed to help support the anterior cage that has been placed . Hooks—these may be used alone or used to secure the rods and/or cables that may have been used for support of the spinal fusion. These are used to anchor the posterior spine.
Rods—these are usually used in pairs and may be cut to fit the patient’s anatomy and curve of the spine. Cable —this is used to apply a specific amount of tension to a particular area of the spine. For the root operation “fusion” to be coded during spinal fusion, bone graft or bone graft substitute must also be used.
The process of the bone fusing takes several months to a year depending on the extent of the fusion.
Spinal fusion procedures are performed to treat a variety of conditions. It’s common to see the diagnoses in the list below as the pre/post-operative diagnosis for a spinal fusion procedure.
ICD-10-PCS – In ICD-10-PCS the use bone graft is indicated by the Device character. Selection of the appropriate character value is influenced by the type of graft (auto, nonauto or synthetic) and whether the graft was used alone or in combination with an interbody fusion device.
CPT - In CPT, discectomy solely to prepare the vertebra for fusion is included in the description of the spinal fusion code and is therefore considered integral to the fusion procedure. Discectomy in the same interspace where the fusion it taking place, and which requires additional work for the purpose of completing spinal decompression, ...
When circumstances call for coding the same procedure in both CPT and ICD-10-PCS, a number of variables can make it challenging to get the coding right. For instance, the rules and guidelines that dictate whether an accessory procedure is integral to the primary procedure or separately reportable vary with the type of codes you are using.
Although accompanying instrumentation or fixation devices may be used in spinal fusion procedures, their use is not technically required for the procedure to be considered a fusion, as spinal fusion may be achieved via the placement of bone graft or bone graft substitute alone.