See excerpts below.
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Introducing the 2009 CPT code updates -- By Mary LeGrand, RN, MA-CCS-P, CPC
Reading the new Current Procedure Terminology (CPT®) 2009 can be a daunting challenge, but is necessary to ensure that you and your staff are aware of new and revised CPT codes and Guideline instructional changes...
Cervical disk arthroplasty code additions and revisions
Three 2008 Category III codes have been converted to Category I codes in 2009. Because cervical disk arthroplasty includes the use of the operating microscope and fluoroscopic guidance, these two services are not reportable separately. Additionally, interspace preparation (22554), anterior instrumentation (22845), cages (22851), and diskectomy with decompression and osteophytectomy (63075) are all included and are not reportable separately.
Category III and osteophytectomy (63075) are all included and are not reportable separately. Category III codes continue to exist for the additional cervical interspace (0195T, 0196T).
22856—A new code for “Total disc arthroplasty (artificial disc), anterior approach, including discectomy with end plate preparation (includes osteophytectomy for nerve root or spinal cord decompression and microdissection), single interspace, cervical”
22857—Revised to correct a grammatical change, “single interspace, lumbar”
22861—A new code for “Revision including replacement of total disc arthroplasty (artificial
disc), anterior approach, single interspace; cervical”
22862—Guideline revised to apply only for lumbar revision
22864—A new code for “Removal of total disc arthroplasty (artificial disc), anterior approach,
single interspace; cervical”
22865—Guideline revised to apply for removal of lumbar disk only