Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has developed a policy based on the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) policy for Image-Guided Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (IG-MLD) for Spinal Stenosis.  BCBSA considers this procedure to be Experimental / Investigational (E/I). 

CMS created C9729 code for the above procedure which is effective April 1, 2011 through June 30, 2011. 

• C9729:   Percutaneous laminotomy/laminectomy (intralaminar approach) for decompression of neural elements, (with or without ligamentous resection, discectomy, facetectomy and/or foraminotomy) any method under indirect image guidance (eg, fluoroscopic, CT), with or without the use of an endoscope, single or multiple levels, unilateral or bilateral; lumbar. 
  

Effective July 1, 2011, there will be a CPT category III code (0275T) that is applicable to the above listed procedure.

• 0275T:  Percutaneous laminotomy/laminectomy (intralaminar approach) for decompression of neural elements, (with or without ligamentous resection, discectomy, facetectomy and/or foraminotomy) any method under indirect image guidance (eg, fluoroscopic, CT), with or without the use of an endoscope, single or multiple levels, unilateral or bilateral; lumbar (effective July 1, 2011).

It is recommended to have the patient complete a Limited Patient Waiver (LPW) form.  These charges will be denied as a provider write-off unless the provider obtains an LPW signed by the patient. By obtaining a signed LPW, the E/I charges will be denied as the patient’s responsibility.  This form is available by clicking on the link below.

cw