tci Part B Insider - 2013 Issue 28

Reader Question: Extra Compensation for Obese Patient Case

Question: Recently, our surgeon performed spinal fusion (22630) on an extremely obese patient. The surgeon feels as though the patient’s weight was a complicating factor in the surgery and subsequent recovery. Can we gain additional compensation for this, perhaps using modifier 22? Answer: You could possibly obtain additional reimbursement by appending modifier 22 (Increased procedural services) to 22630 (Arthrodesis, posterior interbody technique, including laminectomy and/or discectomy to prepare interspace [other than for decompression], single interspace; lumbar). You would have to provide the payer with a full and convincing argument as to how and why the patient’s obesity...

To read the full article, sign in and subscribe to tci Part B Insider.


Keep pace with evolving Medicare regulations with timely analysis of critical updates interpreted in an easy-to-follow, easy-to-apply format. Your subscription to TCI’s Part B Insider will equip you to navigate code and guideline changes, CCI edits, and revisions to modifiers, the fee schedule, OIG target areas, and more.

  • Current newsletters added each month
  • Fully searchable archives - over 4800 articles
  • ALL years/issues back to 2003 organized by year and issue
  • Codes mentioned in articles are linked to Code Information pages
  • Code Information pages link back to related articles

This feature is currently unavailable for online purchase. For more information, please call 801-770-4203 or Contact Us.

demo
request yours today
 subscribe
start today
 newsletter
free subscription

Thank you for choosing Find-A-Code, please Sign In to remove ads.