The various image-guided percutaneous procedures used to treat Vertebral Fractures include terms such as Vertebroplasty, Kyphoplasty, Sacroplasty and Augmentation. The nuances of these procedures often cause confusion. This article discusses these procedures, their documentation, and CMS policy to obtain more clarity.
There are three procedure code sets detailed below for:
The augmentation codes (22513-22515 & 0200T, 0201T) are often referred to as kyphoplasty, however, the CPT descriptors do not contain this term in the verbiage.
Documentation should provide a detailed description of the procedure including the type of imaging guidance used for needle/device/placement.
Oftentimes, providers are unaware that when a balloon is not utilized, but a cavity is created with a curette, etc. this is considered an augmentation and billable with the augmentation code set 22513-22515
Therefore, a thorough description of the mechanical device used for intentional cavity creation is an important component of the interpretation for coders to assign correct code(s). If an experienced coder is unsure of what was performed due to lack of clarity in the report, it is highly unlikely the insurance adjudicator will understand the report which could result in a denial. Consideration of all audience members of the report should be a factor for documentation.
Bone Biopsy is included in both vertebroplasty and augmentation codes and may not be coded separately unless a separate, distinct site from treatment. Augmentation also includes fracture reduction when performed.
Contrast injections performed to evaluate venous drainage are not separately billable.
Per Clinical Examples in Radiology, Summer 20:10 if Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are performed on different levels during the same session, bill for the Kyphoplasty using 22513 & 22514 and the vertebroplasty utilizing 22510 & 22511. Verify CCI edits and apply modifier(s) as appropriate.
Clinical Indications for this therapeutic treatment are spinal fractures with the goal of pain relief. CMS covers six ICD10 Diagnosis Codes for vertebroplasty and augmentation/kyphoplasty when performed for pathological fractures due to osteoporosis, or neoplasms. CMS does not cover these procedures for traumatic spinal fractures.
CMS NCD for 22510-22512 & 22513-22515
CMS does not cover Sacral Augmentation/Sacroplasty, Category III codes. 0200T & 0201T
Non-covered services for Medicare patients require obtaining and ABN. Be sure to review and follow CMS rules for obtaining an ABN prior to the day of the procedure.
Review managed care policies to confirm coverage for patient’s plan. Managed care carriers require a signed waiver when services are not covered by the patient’s plan. Verify the plan coverage prior to obtaining a waiver before the day of treatment.
Some managed care carriers list the conditions they cover, but not the specific ICD-10 codes, which makes it even more valuable to document the patient’s complete history (e.g., fracture due to…) and include the most specific indications in the report.
Assign internal RVUs for 0200T, 0201T & 22899 based on feedback from the providers as to what this procedure is most similar to for determining the RVUs to be assigned internally for productivity benchmarking.
When all of these factors are taken into consideration prior to the procedure, reimbursement for these procedures should be attainable.
CMS, AMA/ACR Clinical Examples in Radiology, CPT, SIR
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