Spinal Fusion Part 1 - Overview of Spinal Fusion
Instructor
Description
This comprehensive course is designed to provide medical coders with a detailed understanding of the key aspects involved in coding, performing, and comprehending spinal fusion surgeries. Throughout the course, you'll have access to informative video animations and handouts that provide visual aids and summaries of essential information. These resources will help you grasp the intricate details of spinal fusion procedures.
Included Lessons:
- Introduction
- What is Spinal Fusion
- Spinal Anatomy
- Steps in Coding a Fusion Procedure
CEUs available for the following credentials:
AHIMA
CCA, CCS, CCS-P, RHIT, RHIA, CDIP, CHDA, CHPS
Key Takeaways
As you progress through the course materials, you will gain valuable insights into the world of spinal anatomy, surgical techniques, and coding accuracy. Here are the key takeaways that will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to understand, code, and interpret spinal fusion surgeries effectively.
- Identification of Spinal Fusion Types: Develop the ability to identify the specific type of spinal fusion being performed based on surgical documentation, considering interbody and posterolateral fusion methods.
- Understanding Spinal Anatomy: Acquire a foundational understanding of spinal anatomy, including vertebral columns, levels, joints, segments, and interspaces, to accurately interpret and code spinal fusion procedures.
- Step-by-Step Coding Approach: Learn a systematic approach to coding spinal fusions, including differentiating between initial and refusion procedures, determining the level of fusion, and identifying the spinal column involved.
- Recognizing Surgical Approaches: Familiarize yourself with various surgical approaches used in spinal fusion, such as anterior, posterior, and lateral approaches, to better comprehend surgical reports and assign appropriate codes.
- Bone Grafting Techniques: Gain insight into the role of bone grafts in spinal fusion surgery, including autografts, allografts, bone graft substitutes, and BMP. Understand how these grafts contribute to the fusion process.
- Instrumentation in Fusion Surgery: Understand the use of instrumentation like rods, plates, screws, and interbody devices in spinal fusion procedures. Recognize how these devices provide stability and facilitate successful fusion.
- Documentation and Coding Accuracy: Enhance your ability to read and interpret surgical documentation accurately, enabling precise coding of spinal fusion procedures for improved patient care and accurate billing.
- Interpreting Video Animations: Utilize video animations and visual aids to reinforce your understanding of spinal fusion techniques and approaches.
- Continuous Learning: Recognize the importance of ongoing education and staying updated with relevant resources, such as Coding Clinics and CPT Assistants, to ensure accurate coding of spinal fusion procedures.
- Comprehensive Overview: By the end of the course, you will have gained a comprehensive overview of spinal fusions, enabling you to navigate this specialized field with confidence and expertise.
Benefits of Taking this Course
- Specialized Skills
- Improved Coding Accuracy
- Increased Confidence
- Recognition of Spinal Fusion Variations
- Improved Understanding of Spinal Anatomy
FAQs
What is the difference between an initial fusion and a refusion in spinal fusion procedures?
In spinal fusion procedures, an "initial fusion" refers to the first-time fusion of two or more vertebrae to address a specific medical condition, such as degenerative disc disease or spinal instability. A "refusion," on the other hand, is a term used when a previously performed spinal fusion did not result in a solid fusion of bone, leading to abnormal movement and pain. Both initial fusions and refusions are coded the same in ICD-10-PCS and CPT, as there is no differentiation between them in the coding system.
What are the different approaches used in spinal fusion procedures, and how do they affect coding?
Spinal fusion procedures can be performed using different approaches, including anterior (front), posterior (back), and lateral (side) approaches. These approaches may have variations and alternative terms. For example, an anterior approach might involve "transoral," "anterolateral," or "retroperitoneal" techniques. A posterior approach may include "posterolateral" or "transforaminal" methods. To code spinal fusion accurately, it's crucial to identify the specific approach mentioned in the medical documentation. The approach used can impact the CPT codes assigned for the procedure. Therefore, coders should pay close attention to the surgeon's description of the approach.
About our Medical Coding Courses
HIAlearn, powered by Health Information Associates (HIA)—a leader in medical coding and auditing for more than three decades—offers a comprehensive online education platform for medical coders. With a catalog of over 200 medical coding courses accepted by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and a selection approved by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), HIAlearn caters to both beginners and experienced medical coders seeking to enhance their skills. The platform provides an array of training plans tailored to meet individual learning needs, from mastering challenging coding procedures to understanding broad conceptual frameworks within the coding world. Courses are available across various coding types including CPT, E/M, ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and are designed to cater to different coder levels and coding specialties such as inpatient, outpatient, profee, and CDI. Additionally, HIAlearn offers a Coding Updates bundle to ensure coders are up-to-date with the annual changes in ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and IPPS. Beyond individual learning, HIAlearn supports organizations with group discounts, promoting enhanced coding accuracy, efficiency, and compliance across teams.
Disclaimer: This course is not available for individual sale. Purchase the Spinal Fusion Training Plan below and get access to 4 total courses.
Overview
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