Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Placement of a posterior intrafacet implant(s), unilateral or bilateral, including imaging and placement of bone graft(s) or synthetic device(s), single level; cervical

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 0219T involves the placement of a posterior intrafacet implant, which can be performed unilaterally or bilaterally, at a single level in the cervical spine. The facet joints, which are the paired posterior vertebral joints located between adjacent vertebrae, play a crucial role in providing stability and facilitating movement of the spine. These joints can become damaged due to various conditions, leading to nerve compression and resultant back pain. The surgical intervention aims to alleviate these symptoms by stabilizing the affected vertebral segment through the insertion of an implant. This procedure includes the use of imaging guidance to ensure accurate placement of the implant and may involve the use of bone grafts or synthetic devices to enhance stability. The surgical approach requires careful dissection to expose the lamina and the involved nerve root, followed by the placement of the implant between the facets. The procedure is designed to restore function and reduce pain in patients suffering from facet joint-related issues in the cervical region.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The placement of a posterior intrafacet implant is indicated for patients experiencing symptoms related to facet joint dysfunction, which may include:

  • Back Pain: Chronic pain in the back that may be associated with facet joint degeneration or injury.
  • Nerve Compression: Symptoms resulting from nerve root compression due to facet joint pathology.
  • Instability: Conditions leading to instability in the cervical spine that may benefit from stabilization through surgical intervention.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the placement of a posterior intrafacet implant involves several critical steps:

  • Incision: The surgical process begins with an incision made over the affected vertebral segment in the back, allowing access to the underlying structures.
  • Imaging Guidance: Imaging techniques are employed as necessary to visualize the facet joint accurately, ensuring precise placement of the implant.
  • Dissection: The intervertebral ligament is divided to expose the lamina, which may require partial or complete excision to access the involved nerve root.
  • Exploration of Facet Joints: The facet joints are carefully explored to assess the extent of damage and prepare for implant placement.
  • Implant Placement: A posterior intrafacet implant, such as a facet screw system or a locking screw and nut device, is inserted between the facets in the intervertebral space to stabilize the joint.
  • Bone Graft Preparation: If necessary, a bone graft is harvested either locally or from the iliac crest or another site, prepared, and placed between the facets to enhance stability.
  • Bone Cement Application: Bone cement may be injected as needed to further secure the implant and provide additional support.
  • Closure: After ensuring hemostasis through coagulation, the surgical site is irrigated, and the incisions are closed to complete the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient for any complications and managing pain effectively. Patients may be advised on activity restrictions to promote healing and prevent strain on the surgical site. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess recovery and the effectiveness of the implant in alleviating symptoms. Rehabilitation may be recommended to restore function and strength in the cervical region.

Short Descr PLMT POST FACET IMPLT CERV
Medium Descr PLMT POST FACET IMPLANT UNI/BI W/IMG & GRFT CERV
Long Descr Placement of a posterior intrafacet implant(s), unilateral or bilateral, including imaging and placement of bone graft(s) or synthetic device(s), single level; cervical
Status Code Carriers Price the Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 9 - Other Medical Items or Services
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 164 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on musculoskeletal system

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

0222T Addon Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC N Placement of a posterior intrafacet implant(s), unilateral or bilateral, including imaging and placement of bone graft(s) or synthetic device(s), single level; each additional vertebral segment (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Added First appearance in code book.
2010-01-01 Added Code implemented.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"