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Although, in ICD-10-PCS, the fusion and refusion are both coded to the same root operation of fusion, coders still need to know which the surgeon is performing. This will also alert the coder to look for additional procedures that may need to be captured in the operative note documentation (such as a removal of previous device).
Initial Spinal Fusion
This is the first time a fusion is being performed on a specific vertebra. The patient could have had a past fusion at a different level, but it is determined based on the level that is being fused and not the history. In the same operative note, there may be documentation of an initial level of fusion as well as another level that may have required a refusion. Here is the most common reason an initial spinal fusion may be needed:
- Degenerative disc disease/disc degeneration
- Spinal stenosis/neurogenic claudication
- Spondylolisthesis
- Herniated disc/slipped disc/ruptured disc
- Scoliosis/lordosis/kyphosis
- Radiculopathy/pinched spinal nerve
- Myelopathy
Refusion of Spine
This is when a patient has already had a spinal fusion at one level and now requires fusion again on that specific vertebra. As above, the operative note should be read carefully to be sure that there are not additional “initial” fusions being performed at the same time. This may change the number of joints reported or other ICD-10-PCS code characters. Here are the most common reasons a refusion of the spine may be needed:
- Pseudoarthrosis/non-union/failed fusion
- Injury resulting in damage to the initial fusion
- Complications of the initial area fused
Spinal fusions are performed to permanently connect two or more vertebrae in the spine that eliminates motion between them. The fusion/refusion will mimic the normal healing process of a broken bone using bone or bonelike material between two spinal vertebrae. Oftentimes, it takes months for the spinal vertebrae to heal and fuse together. A successful fusion or refusion would be defined as when the vertebrae that were fused together heal into a single solid bone. There is no time limit on when a fusion may be considered a failed fusion/non-union.
Learn more about Spinal Fusion Coding by purchasing our Spinal Fusion Coding eBook.
Authored by Kim Boy, RHIT, CDIP, CCS, CCS-P
References
https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/spinal-fusion
https://www.orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/spinal-fusion
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/spinal-fusion/about/pac-20384523
ICD-10-PCS Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting FY 2023
The information contained in this coding advice is valid at the time of posting. Viewers are encouraged to research subsequent official guidance in the areas associated with the topic as they can change rapidly.
