How To Use HCPCS Code G2144

HCPCS code G2144 describes the functional status measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) version 2.1a at three months (6-20 weeks) postoperatively. This code is used when the functional status measured by the ODI version 2.1a is less than or equal to 22, or when there is an improvement of 30 points or greater between the preoperative and postoperative measurements within three months.

1. What is HCPCS G2144?

HCPCS code G2144 is a specific code used to identify the functional status measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) version 2.1a at three months (6-20 weeks) postoperatively. It is important to note that this code is only applicable when the functional status meets the specified criteria of being less than or equal to 22 or showing an improvement of 30 points or greater.

2. Official Description

The official description of HCPCS code G2144 is “Functional status measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) version 2.1a at three months (6-20 weeks) postoperatively was less than or equal to 22 or functional status measured by the ODI version 2.1a within three months preoperatively and at three months (6-20 weeks) postoperatively demonstrated an improvement of 30 points or greater.” The short description for this code is “Fs odi 6-20wk postop <= 22."

3. Procedure

1. Perform the necessary surgical procedure on the patient.
2. Measure the patient’s functional status using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) version 2.1a within three months preoperatively.
3. Measure the patient’s functional status using the ODI version 2.1a at three months (6-20 weeks) postoperatively.
4. If the functional status measured at three months (6-20 weeks) postoperatively is less than or equal to 22, or if there is an improvement of 30 points or greater between the preoperative and postoperative measurements, assign HCPCS code G2144.

4. When to use HCPCS code G2144

HCPCS code G2144 should be used when the functional status measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) version 2.1a at three months (6-20 weeks) postoperatively meets the specified criteria. This includes cases where the functional status is less than or equal to 22 or when there is an improvement of 30 points or greater between the preoperative and postoperative measurements within three months.

5. Billing Guidelines and Documentation Requirements

When billing for HCPCS code G2144, healthcare providers need to ensure that the functional status measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) version 2.1a is properly documented. This documentation should include the preoperative and postoperative measurements, as well as any relevant supporting information. It is important to accurately reflect the patient’s functional status to support the use of this code.

6. Historical Information and Code Maintenance

HCPCS code G2144 was added to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System on January 01, 2020. As of January 01, 2022, there have been no maintenance actions taken for this code, as indicated by the action code N, which means no maintenance for this code. The pricing indicator code for HCPCS code G2144 is 00, which indicates that the service is not separately priced by Part B. This means that the service is either not covered, bundled, or used by Part A only.

7. Medicare and Insurance Coverage

Medicare coverage for HCPCS code G2144 is determined by carrier judgment, as indicated by the coverage code C. It is important to consult with the specific insurance carrier to determine coverage and reimbursement policies for this code. The multiple pricing indicator code for HCPCS code G2144 is 9, which means that it is not applicable as HCPCS is not priced separately by Part B or the value is not established.

8. Examples

Here are five examples of when HCPCS code G2144 should be billed:

1. A patient undergoes spinal surgery and their functional status measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) version 2.1a at three months postoperatively is 20.
2. A patient undergoes a hip replacement surgery and their functional status measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) version 2.1a shows an improvement of 35 points between the preoperative and postoperative measurements within three months.
3. A patient undergoes a knee arthroscopy and their functional status measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) version 2.1a at three months postoperatively is 18.
4. A patient undergoes a laminectomy and their functional status measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) version 2.1a shows an improvement of 40 points between the preoperative and postoperative measurements within three months.
5. A patient undergoes a shoulder surgery and their functional status measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) version 2.1a at three months postoperatively is 22.