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Interbody cage fusion uses a hollow threaded titanium or carbon fiber cylinder to fuse two vertebrae together. The diseased disc is removed and an interbody cage(s) are placed in the opening where the diseased disc has been removed.
CPT +22851 (Application of intervertebral biomechanical device(s) (eg, synthetic cage(s), threaded bone dowel(s), methylmethacrylate) to vertebral defect or interspace) is not a "stand-alone" code and is commonly reported in addition to an arthrodesis procedure. CPT code +22851 is not intended to be reported per cage. This code is reported once per level regardless of the number of cages inserted per level. For example:
- Two metal cages at L3-L4 intervertebral space is reported with CPT +22851 x 1 as an add-on code to the main procedure performed.
- One metal cage at L3-L4 and one metal cage at L4-L5 intervertebral space is reported with CPT +22851 x 2 as an add-on code to the main procedure performed.
Coding tip: Some carriers may require a modifier when add-on code +22851 is reported more than once to indicate a separate and distinct application at a separate and distinct level.
Cristina Bentin can be reached at cristina@ccmpro.com. Learn more about Coding Compliance Management.
The information provided should be utilized for educational purposes only. Please consult with your billing and coding expert. Facilities are ultimately responsible for verifying the reporting policies of individual commercial and MAC/FI carriers prior to claim submissions.