T9-11 Epidural Tumor Removal

Question:

I did bilateral laminectomies at T9, T10, T11 and removed an epidural tumor. I billed 63276-50, 63276-50-59 and 63276-50-59 but got paid for only 63276-50. Should I have used modifier XS (separate site) instead of 59?

Answer:

CPT 63276 (Laminectomy for biopsy/excision of intraspinal neoplasm; extradural, thoracic) involves removal of the tumor and included any, and all, levels of laminectomy required for access and tumor removal. Also, the code also implies both sides of the lamina were removed. Therefore, in your situation, only 63276 alone should have been reported.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 10/17/19.