AMA reveals reasoning behind new facet, stimulator codes

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps coders and reimbursement staff understand the context behind major 2010 revisions affecting interventional pain management and neurostimulation reporting. It is useful for anyone tracking CPT valuation changes, RUC review activity, and CMS implementation of revised procedure coding.

Article Sections

1. Neurostimulator code revisions and valuation review

   Discusses the review process behind the updated neurostimulator procedure codes and the organizations involved in valuation. It also covers the general rationale for separating previously broader reporting into more specific categories.

2. The RUC's change to work values

   Summarizes how the RUC gathered specialty input and assessed work relative to the newly revised neurostimulator procedure codes. The section focuses on the valuation process and implementation context.

3. Why all the fuss about facets?

   Explains the background behind the facet joint injection code revisions and the broader valuation review. It covers the general discussion of utilization, specialty feedback, and the categories considered in the updated work values.