Here are the top 10 neurosurgical procedures with the highest denial rates according to a report from RemitData.
1. 22851: Application of intervertebral biomechanical devices (EG, synthetic cage(s), methylmethacrylate) to vertebral defect or interspace (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure) — 18 percent
2. 22842: Posterior segmental instrumentation (EG, pedicle fixation, dual rods with multiple hooks and sublaminar wires); three to six vertebral segments (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure) — 18 percent
3. 22612: Arthrodesis, posterior or posterolateral technique, single level; lumbar (with lateral transverse technique, when performed) — 18 percent
4. 63048: Laminectomy, facetectomy and foraminotomy (unilateral or bilateral with decompression of spinal cord, cauda equine and/or nerve root(s), [EG, spinal or lateral recess stenosis]), single vertebral segment; each additional segment, cervical, thoracic or lumbar — 17 percent
5. 22633: Arthrodesis, combined posterior or posterolateral technique with posterior interbody technique including laminectomy and/or discectomy sufficient to prepare interspace (other than for decompression, single interspace and segment; lumbar — 17 percent
6. 22845: Anterior instrumentation; two to three vertebral segments (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure) — 17 percent
7. 22840: Posterior non-segmental instrumentation (EG, Harrington rod technique, pedicle fixation across one interspace, atlantoaxial transarticular screw fixation, sublaminar wiring at C1, facet screw fixation) (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure) — 17 percent
8. 22551: Arthrodesis, anterior interbody, including disc space preparation, discectomy, osteophytectomy and decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve roots; cervical below C2—15 percent
9. 63047: Laminectomy, facetectomy and foraminotomy (unilateral or bilateral with decompression of spinal cord, cauda equine and/or nerve root(s), [EG, spinal or lateral recess stenosis]), single vertebral segment; lumbar — 15 percent
10. 63030: Laminectomy (hemilaminectomy), with decompression of nerve root(s), including partial facetectomy, foraminotomy and/or excision of herniated intervertebral disc; one interspace, lumbar — 12 percent
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