High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)

Question:

We are going to start doing this new procedure called High Intensity Focused Ultrasound to treat essential tremor and other tremors. I can’t find a CPT code for this procedure. Do we need to use an unlisted code?

Answer:

Actually there is a Category III CPT code for this procedure so you do not need to use an unlisted code. You’ll use 0398T,Magnetic resonance image guided high intensity focused ultrasound (MRgFUS), stereotactic ablation lesion, intracranial for movement disorder including stereotactic navigation and frame placement when performed.Be sure to check the payors coverage policy to see if this procedure is paid or if it is considered “experimental” or “investigational.”

*This response is based on the best information available as of 03/24/22.

PA Assisting on Angiogram / Coiling

Question:

Can we bill for a PA to assist on a cerebral angiogram? What about aneurysm coiling?

Answer:

Well you can try but there are two things to consider:

1. The operative note should have really good documentation showing why a PA was necessary and what exactly the PA did to assist.

2. Medicare does not allow payment for an assistant on the cerebral angiogram or aneurysm coiling codes. So while you might bill for the service, it may not be paid.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 03/10/22.

Coding a Discectomy with a Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Question:

Can we code a laminectomy for disc herniation, such as 63030 or 63042, with a TLIF/PLIF code (22630, 22633)?

Answer:

Good question! There was an update in CPT 2022 to this very complicated and lengthy issue. No – a discectomy may not be separately reported (e.g., 63030, 63042, 63056) since it is required for the posterior lumbar interbody fusion. However, there are new codes – +63052 and +63053 – that may be separately reported when a unilateral or bilateral laminectomy/facetectomy/foraminotomy for decompression is performed. Learn more from our recent 2022 CPT Update for Spine Surgery webinar here:https://karenzupko.com/2022-cpt-update-for-spine-surgery/

*This response is based on the best information available as of 02/24/22.

Coding for Vascularized Pericranial Graft

Question:

Can we code for harvest of vascularized pericranial graft during a left temporal craniotomy for resection of epidural abscess? If so what code should I use?

Answer:

No, that is not billable since it the graft was obtained through the same surgical exposure as the primary procedure.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 02/10/22.

Use of an Endoscope

Question:

If an endoscope is used to check for residual tumor or ensure an aneurysm is clipped, is there a code for that or should we also bill an unlisted code?

Answer:

There is no separate coding for this – ensuring that the procedure you’re billing for is adequately performed would not be separately reported.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 01/27/22.

Intraoperative Ultrasound

Question:

I see there is a code for intraoperative ultrasound, 76998. Can I code that when I use ultrasound intraoperatively to assist with tumor removal?

Answer:

No – intraoperative ultrasound is included in the tumor removal surgical CPT code and should not be separately reported by the surgeon.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 12/02/21.