NASS obtains new code for two-level cervical total disc arthroplasty

The North American Spine Society announced in a letter that it was successful in obtaining a new Category I CPT code for two-level cervical total disc arthroplasty.

The new code will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2015., according to a letter from William Watters III, MD, president of the North American Spine Society (NASS).

The letter about the new code was sent to NASS members on March 3.

NASS officials noted in the letter that the organization regularly works with the American Medical Association and CMS on spine-related coding and reimbursement issues.

Watters stated in the letter that after a review of the proposal from NASS regarding a new code, the AMA CPT Editorial Panel added the code and revised the existing Category III CPT code to describe disc arthroplasty performed at three or more levels.

“These changes will allow for accurate reporting of additional levels and will preserve the ability to obtain a Category I code for three or more level arthroplasty in the future as more literature becomes available,” Watters stated in the letter.

The society will now participate in the AMA Relative Value System Update Committee (RUC) process to develop value recommendations for this code, Watters noted. Once the RUC has approved the value recommendations, the plan is for them to be forwarded to CMS for consideration in the 2015 Medicare physician fee schedule, according to the letter.

Reference:

The letter to NASS members can be accessed by visiting: https://www.spine.org/Documents/PolicyPractice/CatICodeTwoLevelTDA030314.pdf