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The procedure described by CPT® Code 22865 involves the removal of a total disc arthroplasty, which is an artificial disc that has been previously implanted in the lumbar region of the spine. This surgical intervention is performed through an anterior approach, meaning that the incision is made in the front of the abdomen to access the spine. The primary goal of this procedure is to extract the artificial disc from a single interspace in the lumbar area, which may be necessary due to complications such as implant failure, infection, or persistent pain. During the operation, the surgeon makes an incision in the abdominal wall, carefully retracts the surrounding muscles and tissues to gain access to the spinal column, and locates the artificial disc implant. The procedure requires meticulous dissection to free any adhesions or fibrous tissue that may have formed around the implant. Once the implant is adequately exposed, distraction techniques are applied to open the intervertebral space, allowing the surgeon to unseat the artificial disc from its position between the adjacent vertebrae. After the removal of the implant, the surgical site is thoroughly explored and debrided to ensure that any remaining debris or tissue is cleared. Finally, the muscles and tissues are closed in their original position to facilitate proper wound healing.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 22865 is indicated for the removal of a total disc arthroplasty in the lumbar region. This may be necessary under the following circumstances:
The procedure for the removal of total disc arthroplasty involves several critical steps, each essential for the successful extraction of the implant:
Post-procedure care following the removal of total disc arthroplasty includes monitoring for any signs of complications such as infection or excessive bleeding. Patients may be advised to limit physical activity during the initial recovery period to allow for proper healing. Pain management strategies will be implemented to address any discomfort following the surgery. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled to assess the surgical site and ensure that the recovery is progressing as expected. Rehabilitation may be recommended to restore mobility and strength in the lumbar region, depending on the individual patient's needs and the surgeon's recommendations.
| Short Descr | RMVL TOT ARTHRP 1NTRSPC LMBR | Medium Descr | RMVL TOT DISC ARTHRP ANT 1 INTERSPACE LUMBAR | Long Descr | Removal of total disc arthroplasty (artificial disc), anterior approach, single interspace; lumbar | Status Code | Restricted Coverage | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard 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) | 2 - Team surgeons permitted; pay by report. | 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 a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 0164T | Addon Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC C CPT Assistant Article Removal of total disc arthroplasty, (artificial disc), anterior approach, each additional interspace, lumbar (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 20704 | Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Manual preparation and insertion of drug-delivery device(s), intra-articular (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 20705 | Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Removal of drug-delivery device(s), intra-articular (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 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. | 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. |
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| 2023-01-01 | Note | Short and Medium descriptions changed. |
| 2009-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed |
| 2007-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2007. |
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