November 29, 2018

Question:
Quick question, if one of our doctors did a laminectomy facetectomy at L3-L4 and then through a separate incision did the same at T10-T11.  Can I use two primary codes or do I need to use an add-on code for the second level because it is within the same session?

Answer:
Good question.  Procedures through completely separate surgical incisions/exposures may be separately reported.  It is not necessary to use an add-on code in this situation.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 11/29/18.