Can CPT code 76012 be reported per vertebral body or one time per operative session.

According to the CPT code changes for 2006, CPT code 76012 describes the S&I per vertebral body CPT code 76012 reads “Radiological supervision and interpretation, percutaneous vertebroplasty or vertebral augmentation including cavity creation, per vertebral body; under fluoroscopic guidance.”

Use modifier 59 to report multiple S&I services per operative session.

Our foot and ankle specialist occasionally will perform a correction hallux valgus) with tendon transplants with a metatarsal osteotomy.  We are wondering what is the appropriate way to code this scenario? 

Without seeing an operative note and the detailed documentation, we would suggest you look at CPT code 28296 Correction, hallux valgus (bunion), with or without sesamoidectomy; with metatarsal osteotomy (eg, Mitchell, Chevron, or concentric type procedures)

According to the AAOS Global Service Guide, the following procedures are included in CPT code 28296. Note number 14 states tendon release or transfer. 
            12.       arthrotomy (eg, 28022, 28052)
            13.       synovial biopsy (eg, 28052)
            14.       tendon release or transfer (eg, 28240)
            15.       synovectomy (eg, 28072)
            16.       capsular release and reconstruction (eg, 28270)
            17.       removal of additional exostoses in the area of the joint (eg, 28122, 28124,                          28126, 28288)
            18.       internal fixation (eg, 28485)
            19.       articular shaving
            20.       arthroscopy (eg, 29909)
            21.       removal of bursal tissue
            22.       repair of released tendon (eg, 28200, 28208)
            23.       implant insertion
            24.       local bone graft
            25.       excision of bone or synovial cysts (eg, 28090-28092, 28104, 28108)

Mary LeGrand, RN, MA, CCS-P, CPC
KarenZupko & Associates, Inc.