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Date: Oct 6, 2010

Question:

We have recently started utilizing the Spinal Wand to do coablations prior to a vertebroplasy. The physician has wanted to bill as CPT 20982 (bone ablation) and CPT 22521 (Vertebroplasty) I have two questions. 1. Can we charge for CPT 20982 or is it considered part of the procedure with the vertebroplasty (basically prepping the area for the cement)? 2. Shouldn't we really be charging for a kyphoplasty since the coablation catheter "creates a cavity" allowing us to inject more cement? Thank you, Michelle Moreno

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