Coding Percutaneous Rods and Screws: Part 2

Question:

What if we the neurosurgeon places percutaneous screws and rods (no posterior fusion/bone graft) as the sole treatment for a vertebral fracture. Do we code the regular posterior instrumentation codes, for example +22840 or +22842?

Answer:

Unfortunately, no. Placement of percutaneous screws and rods as the sole procedure must be reported with an unlisted code (22899, Unlisted procedure, spine).

The posterior instrumentation codes (+22840-+22843) are add-on codes and can only be reported with an applicable primary or parent procedure code. Therefore, in this scenario, only the unlisted code may be reported.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 10/19/23.