“Spotlight on CPT” presents
information on vertebral body tethering (VBT) in this article. Vertebral body tethering is a procedure used
to treat adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. A strong, flexible cord is secured to the spine using screws. Once that is completed, tension is applied to
the tether in order to correct the spinal curvature. Faster recovery time and maintaining spinal
mobility are two reasons why tethering can be a better option than spinal
fusion.
Revision, replacement, or removal VBT procedures may be necessary if the tethering screws loosen, the tension is too much or too little, the tether breaks, or there is no correction or overcorrection of the curve.
Source: https://scoliosisinstitute.com/the-tether/
The key to coding for spinal tethering is determining what region of the spine is being corrected. When the procedure is performed on the thoracic region, codes 22836, 22837, and 22838 are used.
22836 Anterior thoracic vertebral body tethering, including thoracoscopy, when performed, up to 7 vertebral segments22837 8 or more vertebral segments
22838 Revision (e.g, augmentation, division of tether), replacement, or removal of thoracic vertebral body tethering, including thoracoscopy, when performed
For anterior lumbar or thoracolumbar vertebral body tethering use temporary codes 0656T or 0657T or 0790T.
0656T Anterior lumbar or thoracolumbar vertebral body tethering; up to 7 vertebral segments
0657T 8 or more vertebral segments
0790T Revision (e.g, augmentation, division of tether), replacement, or removal of thoracolumbar or lumbar vertebral body tethering, including thoracoscopy, when performed
Now, light has been shed on coding vertebral body tethering procedures.
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About the Author
Dianna Foley, RHIA, CHPS, CCS, CDIP, is an HIM professional with over 25 years of experience. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati and holds RHIA, CHPS, CDIP, and CCS certifications from AHIMA, along with being an AHIMA-approved ICD-10-CM/PCS trainer. Dianna has held many positions in HIM and is now an independent coding consultant. She previously served as the program director for Medical Coding and HIT at Eastern Gateway Community College. Dianna is an AHIMA-published author and has volunteered with AHIMA on projects including certification item writing, certification exam development, coding rapid design, and most recently has served on AHIMA’s nominating committee. She is a presenter on coding topics at the national, state, and regional levels and serves as OHIMA’s Education Coordinator. Dianna mentors new AHIMA members and also provides monthly educational lectures to coders and clinical documentation specialists.
