new spinal code 22633

I have received conflicting information about code 22633 and spinal instrumentation codes. First I am told that you cannot code 22633 with 22842 or 22851. Then I am told that you can. Which is it?

Feb 23rd, 2012 -

re: new spinal code 22633

Yes, you can report the spinal instrumentation and bone graft codes with 22633. Unfortunately, CPT® forgot to include 22633 as an appropriate parent code to the spinal instrumentation and bone graft descriptors. There is an upcoming CPT® Assistant article about this and the AMA may post this as an "errata" on their website.

Kim Pollock, RN, MBA, CPC
KarenZupko & Associates,Inc.
www.karenzupko.com