Placement of Percutaneous Posterior Instrumentation (Rod and Screws) Part 1

Question:

I placed posterior percutaneous screws and rods without an arthrodesis, the day after an ALIF. Should I bill 22842, it was segmental, 3-6 segments spanned, and a 58 modifier?

Answer:

Code 22842 is for open segmental instrumentation. Most importantly, it is an add-on code and can only be reported with a parent or primary code, such as the ALIF code 22558. Without a primary code, the percutaneous placement of rods and screws must be reported with an unlisted code 22899.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 07/20/23.