What does the term "Vertebroplasty" refer to in medical coding?

Vertebroplasty refers to a specific surgical procedure used primarily to treat vertebral compression fractures. The focus of vertebroplasty is to stabilize the fractured vertebra by injecting a special cement into the bone. This procedure falls under the category of root operations, which in the ICD-10-PCS (Procedure Coding System) are defined as the actions taken to achieve the objective of the procedure performed. Root operations help provide a framework for understanding the types of interventions performed on the body, and vertebroplasty is categorized accordingly due to its nature of being a specific intervention aimed at addressing a structural issue in the vertebrae.

By recognizing vertebroplasty as a category of root operations, it becomes easier to properly classify and convey the type of medical service provided, which is essential for accurate coding and billing in healthcare.