2024 CPT: Use Category I or Category III codes for tethering, depending on spinal region

Why This Topic Matters

The article highlights a coding update that affects how vertebral body tethering procedures are organized in CPT for 2024 and discusses related reporting issues that can affect claim accuracy and compliance. It is relevant for teams coding spine procedures and coordinating surgeon reporting.

Article Sections

1. Overview of vertebral body tethering coding changes

   Introduces vertebral body tethering and explains that the article focuses on 2024 CPT updates and their relationship to scoliosis treatment.

2. New thoracic Category I codes and revised Category III codes

   Summarizes the CPT code structure changes by spinal region and notes the parallel organization of the thoracic and lumbar/thoracolumbar reporting categories.

3. Procedure characteristics and reporting considerations

   Describes the general surgical concept of tethering and discusses related reporting issues involving thoracoscopy and other spine procedure code families.

4. Co-surgeon reporting guidance

   Addresses reporting by two surgeons and the use of a co-surgery modifier in the context of the thoracic tethering codes.

5. 2024 CPT & RBRVS Annual Symposium discussion

   Notes the symposium context and presents the coding questions discussed during the presentation, including regional coding distinctions and modifier use.