The Orthopaedic Coding Coach

Our surgeon performed an anterior interbody fusion at L3-5 and then turned the patient over to perform a posterolateral fusion at the same levels, L3-5. Do I report the new codes 22633 and 22634 for the fusion part of this procedure?

This is a great question! The new combine code(s) describe posterior procedures only. Your scenario is reported with the anterior interbody fusion codes (22558 and 22585) and then the posterior codes are 22612 and 22614. Remember to append modifier 62 (two surgeons) to the anterior interbody fusion if the approach was performed by the general or vascular surgeon.

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