AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS - 2019 Issue 3; Ask the Editor
Use of VERTE-STACK™ Implant with Fusion
A patient with spondylolisthesis, disk protrusion, spinal cord injury, laminar and spinous process fractures presents for discectomy, fusion, spinal cord decompression, placement of anterior spinal instrumentation and implant with the VERTE-STACK® spinal system. After gaining access to the anterior spine, all disc material was removed from the C3-C4, and C4-C5 levels, and a drill was utilized to thin down the posterior lips of the vertebral bodies of C3 and C4. VERTE-STACK ® implants were obtained and filled with bone from the core of the C3 vertebral body then wedged into position. This was followed by insertion of a plate and pins for spinal stabilization. What is the device value for the spinal fusion and are the VERTE-STACK® insertions inherent in the spinal fusion or coded separately? ...
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Article Overview
This article addresses a spinal surgery coding question involving anterior cervical fusion, decompression, and placement of an implant system used with fusion. It is aimed at coding and reimbursement professionals who need to understand how the procedure is framed for coding purposes, what broad coding concepts are involved, and how implant-related reporting is handled in the context of the case discussed.
Why This Topic Matters
Spine procedures often combine multiple operative components, and correct interpretation affects procedure reporting, device capture, and claim accuracy. This article is relevant to coders and billing staff reviewing complex cervical fusion cases with implanted hardware.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames a complex cervical spine fusion case for coding review.
- What general procedural components are present in the operative scenario.
- How implant-related reporting is discussed in the context of spinal fusion billing.
- Which broad coding questions are raised about fusion and device reporting.
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Billing specialists
- Revenue integrity staff
- Orthopedic and spine surgery coding professionals
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