tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2001 Issue 5

Reader Question: Arthrodesis Cosurgery

Question: Which CPT code should I use when the surgeon undertakes a thoracotomy to prepare a patient for an orthopedist who performs a spinal fusion?Delaware SubscriberAnswer: Dont use 32100 (thoracotomy, major; with exploration and biopsy), says Elaine Elliott, CPC, a general surgery coding and reimbursement specialist in Jensen Beach, Fla. Instead, the surgeon should bill the appropriate arthrodesis code (in this case, 22556, arthrodesis, anterior interbody technique, including minimal diskectomy to prepare interspace [other than for decompression]; thoracic) with modifier -62 (two surgeons) attached. This can be difficult for surgeons because the orthopedist, who must also bill the...

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