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

Anterior instrumentation; 4 to 7 vertebral segments (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

An anterior instrumentation procedure involves the surgical placement of devices to stabilize the spine, specifically targeting 4 to 7 vertebral segments. This procedure is typically performed in conjunction with an arthrodesis, commonly known as spinal fusion, which aims to correct deformities or instabilities within the spinal column. The instrumentation is applied from the anterior (front) aspect of the body, which may necessitate incisions in various locations depending on the specific vertebral levels being addressed. These locations can include the front of the neck, the thorax, or the abdomen. In some cases, an anterolateral approach may be utilized, allowing access from the side of the body. During the procedure, the surgeon carefully retracts overlying muscles and manages blood vessels to ensure a clear view of the vertebrae. The vertebrae are then accessed and prepared for instrumentation, which may involve stripping away surrounding muscles. In certain instances, a discectomy, which is the removal of intervertebral discs, may also be performed as part of the procedure. The instrumentation itself typically consists of a single or dual rod that is securely attached to the targeted spinal segments using various fixation devices such as hooks, screws, or intervertebral cage devices. These components may be further stabilized with bone grafts, which are packed tightly around the instrumentation to promote fusion and enhance stability. It is important to note that CPT® Code 22846 is specifically designated for procedures involving 4 to 7 vertebral segments, distinguishing it from codes for fewer or greater segments.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The anterior instrumentation procedure is indicated for various conditions affecting the spine, particularly those that involve deformities or instabilities. The following are specific indications for performing this procedure:

  • Spinal Deformities Conditions such as scoliosis or kyphosis that require correction through stabilization.
  • Spinal Instability Situations where the vertebrae are not properly aligned or are at risk of movement, necessitating stabilization.
  • Degenerative Disc Disease Cases where the intervertebral discs have deteriorated, leading to pain and instability.
  • Trauma Injuries to the spine that result in fractures or dislocations requiring surgical intervention.
  • Post-Surgical Stabilization Following previous spinal surgeries where additional support is needed to ensure proper healing and alignment.

2. Procedure

The anterior instrumentation procedure involves several critical steps to ensure successful stabilization of the spine. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Patient Positioning The patient is positioned appropriately on the operating table, ensuring optimal access to the anterior aspect of the spine. This may involve supine or lateral positioning depending on the specific vertebral segments being addressed.
  • Step 2: Incision and Access A surgical incision is made in the front of the neck, thorax, or abdomen, depending on the targeted vertebral levels. The incision is carefully made to minimize damage to surrounding tissues.
  • Step 3: Muscle and Vessel Retraction Overlying muscles are retracted to provide a clear view of the vertebrae. Blood vessels in the area may be retracted or ligated to prevent excessive bleeding during the procedure.
  • Step 4: Vertebral Preparation The vertebrae are accessed and prepared for instrumentation. This may involve stripping away surrounding muscles and preparing the bony surfaces for the placement of instrumentation.
  • Step 5: Discectomy (if applicable) If indicated, a discectomy may be performed to remove degenerated intervertebral discs, allowing for better placement of the instrumentation and promoting fusion.
  • Step 6: Placement of Instrumentation A single or dual rod is placed and secured to the vertebral segments using hooks and/or screws. Intervertebral cage devices may also be utilized to enhance stability.
  • Step 7: Bone Grafting Bone graft material is packed tightly around the cages, hooks, and screws to promote fusion and stabilize the instrumentation. This step is crucial for ensuring long-term success of the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the anterior instrumentation procedure, the patient is monitored for any immediate complications. Post-operative care typically includes pain management, monitoring for signs of infection, and ensuring proper positioning to facilitate healing. Patients may be advised to limit physical activity and follow specific rehabilitation protocols to promote recovery. The expected recovery time can vary based on the extent of the procedure and the individual patient's health status. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the healing process and the effectiveness of the instrumentation in stabilizing the spine.

Short Descr INSERT SPINE FIXATION DEVICE
Medium Descr ANTERIOR INSTRUMENTATION 4-7 VERTEBRAL SEGMENTS
Long Descr Anterior instrumentation; 4 to 7 vertebral segments (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service
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) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 2 - Co-surgeons permitted and no documentation required if the two- specialty requirement is met.
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) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 158 - Spinal fusion

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

22100 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 CPT Assistant Article Partial excision of posterior vertebral component (eg, spinous process, lamina or facet) for intrinsic bony lesion, single vertebral segment; cervical
22101 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 CPT Assistant Article Partial excision of posterior vertebral component (eg, spinous process, lamina or facet) for intrinsic bony lesion, single vertebral segment; thoracic
22102 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC G2 CPT Assistant Article Partial excision of posterior vertebral component (eg, spinous process, lamina or facet) for intrinsic bony lesion, single vertebral segment; lumbar
22110 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Partial excision of vertebral body, for intrinsic bony lesion, without decompression of spinal cord or nerve root(s), single vertebral segment; cervical
22112 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Partial excision of vertebral body, for intrinsic bony lesion, without decompression of spinal cord or nerve root(s), single vertebral segment; thoracic
22114 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Partial excision of vertebral body, for intrinsic bony lesion, without decompression of spinal cord or nerve root(s), single vertebral segment; lumbar
22206 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Osteotomy of spine, posterior or posterolateral approach, 3 columns, 1 vertebral segment (eg, pedicle/vertebral body subtraction); thoracic
22207 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Osteotomy of spine, posterior or posterolateral approach, 3 columns, 1 vertebral segment (eg, pedicle/vertebral body subtraction); lumbar
22210 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Osteotomy of spine, posterior or posterolateral approach, 1 vertebral segment; cervical
22212 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Osteotomy of spine, posterior or posterolateral approach, 1 vertebral segment; thoracic
22214 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Osteotomy of spine, posterior or posterolateral approach, 1 vertebral segment; lumbar
22220 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Osteotomy of spine, including discectomy, anterior approach, single vertebral segment; cervical
22222 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Osteotomy of spine, including discectomy, anterior approach, single vertebral segment; thoracic
22224 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Osteotomy of spine, including discectomy, anterior approach, single vertebral segment; lumbar
22310 MPFS Status: Active Code APC T ASC A2 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Closed treatment of vertebral body fracture(s), without manipulation, requiring and including casting or bracing
22315 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Closed treatment of vertebral fracture(s) and/or dislocation(s) requiring casting or bracing, with and including casting and/or bracing by manipulation or traction
22318 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; without grafting
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
22325 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Open treatment and/or reduction of vertebral fracture(s) and/or dislocation(s), posterior approach, 1 fractured vertebra or dislocated segment; lumbar
22326 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Open treatment and/or reduction of vertebral fracture(s) and/or dislocation(s), posterior approach, 1 fractured vertebra or dislocated segment; cervical
22327 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Open treatment and/or reduction of vertebral fracture(s) and/or dislocation(s), posterior approach, 1 fractured vertebra or dislocated segment; thoracic
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
63001 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC G2 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Laminectomy with exploration and/or decompression of spinal cord and/or cauda equina, without facetectomy, foraminotomy or discectomy (eg, spinal stenosis), 1 or 2 vertebral segments; cervical
63003 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC G2 Physician Quality Reporting Illustration for Code Laminectomy with exploration and/or decompression of spinal cord and/or cauda equina, without facetectomy, foraminotomy or discectomy (eg, spinal stenosis), 1 or 2 vertebral segments; thoracic
63005 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC G2 Physician Quality Reporting Illustration for Code Laminectomy with exploration and/or decompression of spinal cord and/or cauda equina, without facetectomy, foraminotomy or discectomy (eg, spinal stenosis), 1 or 2 vertebral segments; lumbar, except for spondylolisthesis
63011 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 Physician Quality Reporting Laminectomy with exploration and/or decompression of spinal cord and/or cauda equina, without facetectomy, foraminotomy or discectomy (eg, spinal stenosis), 1 or 2 vertebral segments; sacral
63012 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 Physician Quality Reporting Laminectomy with removal of abnormal facets and/or pars inter-articularis with decompression of cauda equina and nerve roots for spondylolisthesis, lumbar (Gill type procedure)
63015 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 Physician Quality Reporting Laminectomy with exploration and/or decompression of spinal cord and/or cauda equina, without facetectomy, foraminotomy or discectomy (eg, spinal stenosis), more than 2 vertebral segments; cervical
63016 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 Physician Quality Reporting Laminectomy with exploration and/or decompression of spinal cord and/or cauda equina, without facetectomy, foraminotomy or discectomy (eg, spinal stenosis), more than 2 vertebral segments; thoracic
63017 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 Physician Quality Reporting Laminectomy with exploration and/or decompression of spinal cord and/or cauda equina, without facetectomy, foraminotomy or discectomy (eg, spinal stenosis), more than 2 vertebral segments; lumbar
63020 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC G2 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Laminotomy (hemilaminectomy), with decompression of nerve root(s), including partial facetectomy, foraminotomy and/or excision of herniated intervertebral disc; 1 interspace, cervical
63030 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC G2 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Laminotomy (hemilaminectomy), with decompression of nerve root(s), including partial facetectomy, foraminotomy and/or excision of herniated intervertebral disc; 1 interspace, lumbar
63040 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Laminotomy (hemilaminectomy), with decompression of nerve root(s), including partial facetectomy, foraminotomy and/or excision of herniated intervertebral disc, reexploration, single interspace; cervical
63042 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC G2 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Laminotomy (hemilaminectomy), with decompression of nerve root(s), including partial facetectomy, foraminotomy and/or excision of herniated intervertebral disc, reexploration, single interspace; lumbar
63045 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC G2 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Laminectomy, facetectomy and foraminotomy (unilateral or bilateral with decompression of spinal cord, cauda equina and/or nerve root[s], [eg, spinal or lateral recess stenosis]), single vertebral segment; cervical
63046 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC G2 Physician Quality Reporting Laminectomy, facetectomy and foraminotomy (unilateral or bilateral with decompression of spinal cord, cauda equina and/or nerve root[s], [eg, spinal or lateral recess stenosis]), single vertebral segment; thoracic
63047 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC G2 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Laminectomy, facetectomy and foraminotomy (unilateral or bilateral with decompression of spinal cord, cauda equina and/or nerve root[s], [eg, spinal or lateral recess stenosis]), single vertebral segment; lumbar
63050 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Laminoplasty, cervical, with decompression of the spinal cord, 2 or more vertebral segments;
63051 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Laminoplasty, cervical, with decompression of the spinal cord, 2 or more vertebral segments; with reconstruction of the posterior bony elements (including the application of bridging bone graft and non-segmental fixation devices [eg, wire, suture, mini-plates], when performed)
63052 Add-on Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Laminectomy, facetectomy, or foraminotomy (unilateral or bilateral with decompression of spinal cord, cauda equina and/or nerve root[s] [eg, spinal or lateral recess stenosis]), during posterior interbody arthrodesis, lumbar; single vertebral segment (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
63053 Add-on Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Laminectomy, facetectomy, or foraminotomy (unilateral or bilateral with decompression of spinal cord, cauda equina and/or nerve root[s] [eg, spinal or lateral recess stenosis]), during posterior interbody arthrodesis, lumbar; each additional vertebral segment (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
63055 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC G2 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Transpedicular approach with decompression of spinal cord, equina and/or nerve root(s) (eg, herniated intervertebral disc), single segment; thoracic
63056 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC G2 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Transpedicular approach with decompression of spinal cord, equina and/or nerve root(s) (eg, herniated intervertebral disc), single segment; lumbar (including transfacet, or lateral extraforaminal approach) (eg, far lateral herniated intervertebral disc)
63064 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Costovertebral approach with decompression of spinal cord or nerve root(s) (eg, herniated intervertebral disc), thoracic; single segment
63075 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Discectomy, anterior, with decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve root(s), including osteophytectomy; cervical, single interspace
63077 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Discectomy, anterior, with decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve root(s), including osteophytectomy; thoracic, single interspace
63081 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Vertebral corpectomy (vertebral body resection), partial or complete, anterior approach with decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve root(s); cervical, single segment
63085 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Vertebral corpectomy (vertebral body resection), partial or complete, transthoracic approach with decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve root(s); thoracic, single segment
63087 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Vertebral corpectomy (vertebral body resection), partial or complete, combined thoracolumbar approach with decompression of spinal cord, cauda equina or nerve root(s), lower thoracic or lumbar; single segment
63090 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Vertebral corpectomy (vertebral body resection), partial or complete, transperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach with decompression of spinal cord, cauda equina or nerve root(s), lower thoracic, lumbar, or sacral; single segment
63101 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting Vertebral corpectomy (vertebral body resection), partial or complete, lateral extracavitary approach with decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve root(s) (eg, for tumor or retropulsed bone fragments); thoracic, single segment
63102 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Vertebral corpectomy (vertebral body resection), partial or complete, lateral extracavitary approach with decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve root(s) (eg, for tumor or retropulsed bone fragments); lumbar, single segment
63170 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting Laminectomy with myelotomy (eg, Bischof or DREZ type), cervical, thoracic, or thoracolumbar
63172 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting Laminectomy with drainage of intramedullary cyst/syrinx; to subarachnoid space
63173 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting Laminectomy with drainage of intramedullary cyst/syrinx; to peritoneal or pleural space
63185 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting Laminectomy with rhizotomy; 1 or 2 segments
63190 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting Laminectomy with rhizotomy; more than 2 segments
63191 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting Laminectomy with section of spinal accessory nerve
63197 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting Laminectomy with cordotomy, with section of both spinothalamic tracts, 1 stage, thoracic
63200 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting Laminectomy, with release of tethered spinal cord, lumbar
63250 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Laminectomy for excision or occlusion of arteriovenous malformation of spinal cord; cervical
63251 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Laminectomy for excision or occlusion of arteriovenous malformation of spinal cord; thoracic
63252 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Laminectomy for excision or occlusion of arteriovenous malformation of spinal cord; thoracolumbar
63265 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 Laminectomy for excision or evacuation of intraspinal lesion other than neoplasm, extradural; cervical
63266 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 Laminectomy for excision or evacuation of intraspinal lesion other than neoplasm, extradural; thoracic
63267 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 Physician Quality Reporting Laminectomy for excision or evacuation of intraspinal lesion other than neoplasm, extradural; lumbar
63268 MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 Laminectomy for excision or evacuation of intraspinal lesion other than neoplasm, extradural; sacral
63270 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Laminectomy for excision of intraspinal lesion other than neoplasm, intradural; cervical
63271 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Laminectomy for excision of intraspinal lesion other than neoplasm, intradural; thoracic
63272 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Laminectomy for excision of intraspinal lesion other than neoplasm, intradural; lumbar
63273 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Laminectomy for excision of intraspinal lesion other than neoplasm, intradural; sacral
63275 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Laminectomy for biopsy/excision of intraspinal neoplasm; extradural, cervical
63276 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting Laminectomy for biopsy/excision of intraspinal neoplasm; extradural, thoracic
63277 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Laminectomy for biopsy/excision of intraspinal neoplasm; extradural, lumbar
63278 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Laminectomy for biopsy/excision of intraspinal neoplasm; extradural, sacral
63280 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Laminectomy for biopsy/excision of intraspinal neoplasm; intradural, extramedullary, cervical
63281 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Laminectomy for biopsy/excision of intraspinal neoplasm; intradural, extramedullary, thoracic
63282 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Laminectomy for biopsy/excision of intraspinal neoplasm; intradural, extramedullary, lumbar
63283 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Laminectomy for biopsy/excision of intraspinal neoplasm; intradural, sacral
63285 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Laminectomy for biopsy/excision of intraspinal neoplasm; intradural, intramedullary, cervical
63286 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Laminectomy for biopsy/excision of intraspinal neoplasm; intradural, intramedullary, thoracic
63287 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Laminectomy for biopsy/excision of intraspinal neoplasm; intradural, intramedullary, thoracolumbar
63290 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Laminectomy for biopsy/excision of intraspinal neoplasm; combined extradural-intradural lesion, any level
63300 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Vertebral corpectomy (vertebral body resection), partial or complete, for excision of intraspinal lesion, single segment; extradural, cervical
63301 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Vertebral corpectomy (vertebral body resection), partial or complete, for excision of intraspinal lesion, single segment; extradural, thoracic by transthoracic approach
63302 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Vertebral corpectomy (vertebral body resection), partial or complete, for excision of intraspinal lesion, single segment; extradural, thoracic by thoracolumbar approach
63303 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Vertebral corpectomy (vertebral body resection), partial or complete, for excision of intraspinal lesion, single segment; extradural, lumbar or sacral by transperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach
63304 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Vertebral corpectomy (vertebral body resection), partial or complete, for excision of intraspinal lesion, single segment; intradural, cervical
63305 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Vertebral corpectomy (vertebral body resection), partial or complete, for excision of intraspinal lesion, single segment; intradural, thoracic by transthoracic approach
63306 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Vertebral corpectomy (vertebral body resection), partial or complete, for excision of intraspinal lesion, single segment; intradural, thoracic by thoracolumbar approach
63307 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Vertebral corpectomy (vertebral body resection), partial or complete, for excision of intraspinal lesion, single segment; intradural, lumbar or sacral by transperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach
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.
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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).
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.
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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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.)
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.)
81 Minimum assistant surgeon: minimum surgical assistant services are identified by adding modifier 81 to the usual procedure number.
93 Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via telephone or other real-time interactive audio-only telecommunications system : synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located away at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that is sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction.
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
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
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
TV Special payment rates, holidays/weekends
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
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
Date
Action
Notes
2024-01-01 Changed Guideline information changed.
2013-01-01 Changed Guideline information changed.
2008-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
1996-01-01 Added -
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"