Okay, here's the skinny. Blue Cross Blue Shield is waiting on more documentation from Dr. Regan's office before giving pre-authorization. They only pre-authorized removal of the ADR. Generally they don't authorize fusion if the radiologist report doesn't mention instability at that level. Here are some of the other billing codes submitted by Dr. Regan.
22865 Removal of total disc arthroplasty (artificial disc), anterior approach, single interspace; lumbar
20936 Autograft for spine surgery
22612 Lumbar spine fusion
21842 ?
20930 graft for spine surgery
I'm really bummed out. Who knows when they will get around to dealing with BCBS. I'm sure Dr. Regan has plenty of patients that fall in the category of low hanging fruit.
Barbara - that's a great idea. I'll ask about the pre-surgical physical tomorrow.
runner - Thanks for the thoughts. I read up onparts of your thread, it's a long one!
Maria - I remember some of your issues with pre-authorization. I've been off the NSAIDS for almost 3 weeks now. I'll be ready to go.
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Jim
2003 L5S1 Charite
1981 L5S1 Discectomy
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