63042

Question:

When would I ever use 63042?  I am not sure I understand the meaning of this code.

Answer:

Good Question:!  CPT 63042 (Laminotomy (hemilaminectomy), with decompression of nerve root(s), including partial facetectomy, foraminotomy and/or excision of herniated intervertebral disc, reexploration, single interspace; lumbar) is used when the diagnosis is recurrent herniated disc and a re-do discectomy is performed outside the post-operative global period of the initial discectomy.  It doesn’t matter if you did the original discectomy or another surgeon.  The point is that the patient has had a prior discectomy at that same spinal level more than 90 days (the post-operative global period of the lumbar discectomy code, 63030).  Be sure to document the fact that the patient had prior surgery, and when, at that specific level.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 4/25/19.