A physician performed a right lumbar hemilaminectomy with decompression of nerve root, including the excision of two herniated intervertebral discs for three vertebral interspaces. How should the physician code for this service?
Explanation
Answer: A - The physician should code for this service with codes 63030 (Laminotomy (Hemilaminectomy), with Decompression or Nerve Root(s), Including Facetectomy, Foraminotomy and/or Excision of herniated Intervertebral Disc; 1 Interspace, Lumbar) with the add-on code 63035 (Each Additional Interspace, Cervical or Lumbar). Although there were only two herniated discs removed, there were three interspaces involved in the procedure therefore the correct number of units for the add-on code 63035 is two.
