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Official Description

Allograft, morselized, or placement of osteopromotive material, for spine surgery only (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 20930 refers to the procedure involving the placement of an allograft, specifically morselized bone or osteopromotive material, during spine surgery. An allograft is a type of bone graft that utilizes donor bone, typically sourced from a cadaver, to aid in the healing and regeneration of bone tissue. Unlike autografts, which use the patient's own bone, allografts do not contain osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation, or bone morphogenic proteins, which are essential for bone growth. Instead, the allograft serves as a calcium scaffold, providing a structure upon which new bone can develop through a process known as bone conduction. Osteopromotive materials, on the other hand, are designed to actively promote bone growth. These materials may be referred to as osteoinductive because they contain osteogenic proteins, which are natural growth factors that stimulate the formation of new bone. A notable example of such a material is bone morphogenic proteins (BMP), which facilitate the differentiation of mesenchymal cells into chondroblasts and osteoblasts, thereby enhancing the bone healing process. BMP is often combined with an absorbable collagen sponge and implanted into the bone defect to encourage new bone formation. Other osteopromotive materials may include autogenous growth factor concentrate, bovine-derived osteoconductive protein, and recombinant human MP52. When reporting the placement of a morselized bone allograft, which consists of donor bone that has been crushed into small pieces, or the placement of osteopromotive material in a bone defect, the appropriate code to use is 20930. It is important to note that this code is used in conjunction with the primary procedure code for spine surgery, as it is listed separately to indicate the additional service provided. For cases involving the placement of a structural bone allograft, which is an intact piece of donor bone shaped to fit the defect, the code 20931 should be utilized instead.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 20930 is indicated for specific conditions and scenarios where bone grafting is necessary to facilitate healing in the spine. The following are the explicitly provided indications for this procedure:

  • Spinal Fusion: The placement of an allograft or osteopromotive material is often indicated during spinal fusion surgeries to promote the fusion of vertebrae and stabilize the spine.
  • Bone Defects: This procedure is indicated for addressing bone defects in the spine, which may arise from trauma, tumors, or degenerative diseases.
  • Revision Surgeries: In cases where previous spinal surgeries have failed or resulted in complications, the use of an allograft may be indicated to support further surgical interventions.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 20930 involves several critical steps that ensure the effective placement of the morselized bone allograft or osteopromotive material. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Surgical Preparation - The patient is positioned appropriately for the spine surgery, and the surgical site is prepared and sterilized to minimize the risk of infection. Anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Accessing the Spine - The surgeon makes an incision to access the affected area of the spine. This may involve retracting muscles and tissues to expose the vertebrae where the graft will be placed.
  • Step 3: Preparing the Bone Defect - The surgeon evaluates the bone defect or area requiring grafting. Any necrotic or damaged bone tissue may be removed to create a suitable site for the allograft or osteopromotive material.
  • Step 4: Placement of Allograft or Osteopromotive Material - The morselized bone allograft or osteopromotive material is carefully placed into the prepared bone defect. The surgeon ensures that the material is adequately packed to promote stability and facilitate bone healing.
  • Step 5: Closure - Once the graft is in place, the surgeon closes the incision in layers, ensuring that all tissues are properly aligned and sutured to promote healing. The surgical site is then dressed appropriately.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure associated with CPT® Code 20930, patients typically require specific post-operative care to ensure proper recovery and healing. This may include monitoring for any signs of infection or complications at the surgical site. Patients are often advised to limit physical activity and follow a rehabilitation program tailored to their specific needs. Pain management strategies may be implemented to address discomfort during the recovery period. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the healing process and determine the success of the graft placement. Additionally, imaging studies may be conducted to evaluate bone integration and overall spinal stability.

Short Descr SP BONE ALGRFT MORSEL ADD-ON
Medium Descr ALLOGRAFT FOR SPINE SURGERY ONLY MORSELIZED
Long Descr Allograft, morselized, or placement of osteopromotive material, for spine surgery only (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Status Code Bundled Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 9 - Not Applicable
Multiple Procedures (51) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Co-Surgeons (62) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Team Surgery (66) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
ASC Payment Indicator Packaged service/item; no separate payment made.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other
MUE 0
CCS Clinical Classification 161 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on bone

This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.

22319 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Open treatment and/or reduction of odontoid fracture(s) and or dislocation(s) (including os odontoideum), anterior approach, including placement of internal fixation; with grafting
22532 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, lateral extracavitary technique, including minimal discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression); thoracic
22533 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, lateral extracavitary technique, including minimal discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression); lumbar
22548 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, anterior transoral or extraoral technique, clivus-C1-C2 (atlas-axis), with or without excision of odontoid process
22551 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 Arthrodesis, anterior interbody, including disc space preparation, discectomy, osteophytectomy and decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve roots; cervical below C2
22552 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Arthrodesis, anterior interbody, including disc space preparation, discectomy, osteophytectomy and decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve roots; cervical below C2, each additional interspace (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22554 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Arthrodesis, anterior interbody technique, including minimal discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression); cervical below C2
22556 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Arthrodesis, anterior interbody technique, including minimal discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression); thoracic
22558 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Arthrodesis, anterior interbody technique, including minimal discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression); lumbar
22590 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, posterior technique, craniocervical (occiput-C2)
22595 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, posterior technique, atlas-axis (C1-C2)
22600 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, posterior or posterolateral technique, single interspace; cervical below C2 segment
22610 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, posterior or posterolateral technique, single interspace; thoracic (with lateral transverse technique, when performed)
22612 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, posterior or posterolateral technique, single interspace; lumbar (with lateral transverse technique, when performed)
22630 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, posterior interbody technique, including laminectomy and/or discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression), single interspace, lumbar;
22633 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 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, lumbar;
22634 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N 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, lumbar; each additional interspace (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22800 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Arthrodesis, posterior, for spinal deformity, with or without cast; up to 6 vertebral segments
22802 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Arthrodesis, posterior, for spinal deformity, with or without cast; 7 to 12 vertebral segments
22804 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Arthrodesis, posterior, for spinal deformity, with or without cast; 13 or more vertebral segments
22808 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, anterior, for spinal deformity, with or without cast; 2 to 3 vertebral segments
22810 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, anterior, for spinal deformity, with or without cast; 4 to 7 vertebral segments
22812 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Arthrodesis, anterior, for spinal deformity, with or without cast; 8 or more vertebral segments
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
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.
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
25 Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the same day of the procedure or other service: it may be necessary to indicate that on the day a procedure or service identified by a cpt code was performed, the patient's condition required a significant, separately identifiable e/m service above and beyond the other service provided or beyond the usual preoperative and postoperative care associated with the procedure that was performed. a significant, separately identifiable e/m service is defined or substantiated by documentation that satisfies the relevant criteria for the respective e/m service to be reported (see evaluation and management services guidelines for instructions on determining level of e/m service). the e/m service may be prompted by the symptom or condition for which the procedure and/or service was provided. as such, different diagnoses are not required for reporting of the e/m services on the same date. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 25 to the appropriate level of e/m service. note: this modifier is not used to report an e/m service that resulted in a decision to perform surgery. see modifier 57 for significant, separately identifiable non-e/m services, see modifier 59.
26 Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
73 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure prior to the administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may cancel a surgical or diagnostic procedure subsequent to the patient's surgical preparation (including sedation when provided, and being taken to the room where the procedure is to be performed), but prior to the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s) or general). under these circumstances, the intended service that is prepared for but cancelled can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 73. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
74 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
81 Minimum assistant surgeon: minimum surgical assistant services are identified by adding modifier 81 to the usual procedure number.
AP Determination of refractive state was not performed in the course of diagnostic ophthalmological examination
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
GJ "opt out" physician or practitioner emergency or urgent service
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
SA Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician
ST Related to trauma or injury
X2 Continuous/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians whose expertise is needed for the ongoing management of a chronic disease or a condition that needs to be managed and followed with no planned endpoint to the relationship; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to: a rheumatologist taking care of the patient's rheumatoid arthritis longitudinally but not providing general primary care services
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Guideline information changed. Also, removed 0195T, 0196T per AMA 2013 corrections document.
2011-01-01 Changed Long description revised.
2008-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
1996-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1996.
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