May 21, 2015

Question:

We are used to billing 63075 with 22551 and putting modifier 59 on 63075 to indicate these procedures were separate. We’re getting more and more denials on 63075. What can we do to get these paid?

Answer:

Actually, 63075 (anterior cervical discectomy and decompression) is included in 22551 (anterior cervical discectomy, decompression and fusion) so these two codes should not be billed together for procedures at the same spinal level. Do not append modifier 59 to 63075; in fact, do not bill these two codes together for procedures at the same level.