September 1996 page 11
Coding Consultation
Musculoskeletal, 20974 (Q&A)
Question
The parenthetical note for code 20974 states, "use 20974 in addition to code for appropriate bony procedure, when applicable." Can this code be used alone or should code 20974 be used only in conjunction with another procedure?
AMA Comment
Because the parenthetical note in code 20974 states that it is coded in addition to an appropriate bony procedure when applicable, this code may be used both as a stand-alone code and as an add-on code. The words "when applicable" indicate that this code is used in conjunction...
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