Ask Dr. Z

Would this be coded as unlisted or kyphoplasty? "The patient was prepped and draped under sterile fashion in a prone position. 90% of the L5 vertebral body was destroyed using a left parapedicular approach. A 9 gauge trocar needle was placed into the anterior vertebral body of the L5 tumor. Radiofrequency ablation was performed until complete roll-off at 60 Celsius temperature to achieve cytotoxicity, which took approximately 20 minutes. Thereafter, vertebral height augmentation was performed with balloon at 350 psi. 5 cc of methyl methacrylate was injected into the disk space. A 9 gauge trocar needle was placed into the right sacral iliac ala where there is a lytic lesion. Initially radiofrequency ablation to 60 Celsius and complete roll-off with impedance was performed for cytotoxic treatment. Thereafter, 4 cc of methyl methacrylate was injected into the right sacral ala for stabilization as well as palliation."