Changes To Musculoskeletal System Section (June 2012)

Why This Topic Matters

Changes to musculoskeletal coding can affect code selection, procedure grouping, and documentation review for spine and other orthopedic cases. This article helps readers identify which CPT musculoskeletal subsections were updated and what types of reporting guidance were revised.

Article Sections

1. June 2012 pages 10-11

   Introductory publication information for the article content.

2. Changes To Musculoskeletal System Section

   An overview of the CPT musculoskeletal updates covered in the article, including revisions to descriptions, additions, deletions, guideline changes, and parenthetical notes.

3. Spine (Vertebral Column)

   General updates to the spine subsection and related parenthetical direction within the musculoskeletal system section.

4. Vertebral Body, Embolization or Injection

   Discussion of percutaneous vertebral procedures and related CPT revisions within the vertebral body subsection.

5. Coding Tip

   A brief coding guidance note tied to the vertebral body procedures discussed in the prior section.

6. Arthrodesis (Posterior, Posterolateral or Lateral Transverse Process Technique)

   Updates to arthrodesis coding, including new and revised lumbar and thoracic-related reporting guidance and parenthetical instructions.

7. Spinal Instrumentation

   Revisions to spinal instrumentation introductory guidance, including reporting considerations for removal, reinsertion, and related procedures.