Draft Article - Billing and Coding: Cervical Fusion (DA59668)

CMS National Coverage PolicyInternet-Only Manuals (IOMs)CMS IOM Publication 100-04,Medicare Claims Processing Manual,Chapter 23, Section 20.9 National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI)National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI):Medicare NCCI Policy Manual,Chapter 1, General Correct Coding Policies for Medicare National Correct Coding Initiative Policy ManualSocial Security Act (Title XVIII) Standard References:Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Section 1833(e) states that no payment shall be made to any provider of services or other person under this part unless there has been furnished such information as may be necessary in order to determine the amounts due such provider or other person under this part for the period with respect to which the amounts are being paid or for any prior period.Article TextThis Billing and Coding Article provides billing and coding guidance for Proposed Local Coverage Determination (LCD) DL39793 Cervical Fusion. Please refer to the LCD for reasonable and necessary requirements.Coding GuidanceThis article applies only to cervical fusion and related procedures and does not apply to other joint procedures (such as facet, sacroiliitis, epidural or other spinal procedures).Providers should refer to the applicable AMA CPT Manual to assist with proper reporting of these services.General Guidelines for Claims submitted to Part A or Part B MAC:Procedure codes may be subject to National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits or OPPS packaging edits. Refer to NCCI and OPPS requirements prior to billing Medicare. For services requiring a referring/ordering physician, the name and NPI of the referring/ordering physician must be reported on the claim. A claim submitted without a valid ICD-10-CM diagnosis code will be returned to the provider as an incomplete claim under Section 1833(e) of the Social Security Act. The diagnosis code(s) must best describe the patient's condition for which the service was performed. For diagnostic tests, report the result of the test if known; otherwise, the symptoms prompting the performance of the test should be reported.Notice: It is not appropriate to bill Medicare for services that are not covered (as described by the entire LCD) as if they are covered. When billing for non-covered services, use the appropriate modifier.Documentation RequirementsAll documentation must be maintained in the patient's medical record and made available to the contractor upon request.Every page of the record must be legible and include appropriate patient identification information (e.g., complete name, dates of service[s]). The documentation must include the legible signature of the physician or non-physician practitioner responsible for and providing the care to the patient.The submitted medical record must support the use of the selected ICD-10-CM code(s). The submitted CPT/HCPCS code must describe the service performed.The patients medical record should include, but is not limited to:The assessment of the patient by the performing provider as it relates to the complaint of the patient for that visit.Relevant medical history.Results of pertinent tests/procedures.Signed and dated office visit record/operative report. (Please note that all services ordered or rendered to Medicare beneficiaries must be signed.)The operative note should include the procedure performed and any associated/additional procedures performed at the same time.Documentation to support the medical necessity of the procedure(s).Use of BiologicalsThere are currently no FDA approved biologicals to be injected into the joint at the time of surgery. The inclusion of biological and/or other non-FDA approved substances in the injectant will result in denial of the entire claim based on Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, Chapter 16, Section 180. Amniotic and placenta derived injectants, amino acids, vitamins, and platelet rich plasma fall in this category.