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Official Description

Laminectomy for excision or occlusion of arteriovenous malformation of spinal cord; cervical

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Laminectomy for excision or occlusion of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) of the spinal cord, specifically coded as CPT® 63250, is a surgical procedure aimed at addressing a rare congenital anomaly characterized by an abnormal tangle of arteries and veins located on, in, or near the spinal cord. This condition can lead to significant complications, including the inadequate supply of oxygenated blood to the spinal cord tissues, which may result in tissue necrosis. Additionally, the presence of an AVM poses risks such as the rupture of weakened blood vessels or compression of the spinal cord itself, potentially leading to severe neurological deficits. During the procedure, an incision is made over the cervical region where the AVM is situated, extending down to the spinous processes. The surgical team retracts the muscle away from the lamina and facet joint to gain access. A bone drill is then utilized to remove part or all of the lamina, allowing for exposure of the spinal cord. Once the AVM is identified, the blood vessels supplying it are carefully located and ligated with sutures. The AVM can then be excised or occluded permanently using sutures or clamps, effectively addressing the vascular anomaly and mitigating the associated risks.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure coded as CPT® 63250 is indicated for the treatment of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) located in the cervical region of the spinal cord. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:

  • Spinal Cord AVM A congenital anomaly characterized by abnormally tangled arteries and veins that can lead to compromised blood flow and potential tissue damage.
  • Neurological Symptoms Symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or paralysis that may arise due to compression of the spinal cord or inadequate blood supply.
  • Risk of Rupture The presence of an AVM increases the risk of rupture of blood vessels, which can lead to hemorrhage and severe complications.
  • Progressive Symptoms Worsening neurological deficits or symptoms that may indicate the need for surgical intervention to prevent further deterioration.

2. Procedure

The laminectomy procedure for excision or occlusion of a cervical spinal cord AVM involves several critical steps, each designed to ensure the safe and effective removal or occlusion of the malformation:

  • Step 1: Incision The surgical process begins with an incision made over the cervical region where the AVM is located. This incision is carefully extended down to the spinous processes to provide adequate access to the underlying structures.
  • Step 2: Muscle Retraction Once the incision is made, the muscle tissue is retracted away from the lamina and facet joint. This retraction is essential to expose the bony structures of the spine and facilitate the next steps of the procedure.
  • Step 3: Bone Removal A bone drill is employed to remove part or all of the lamina, which is the bony arch of the vertebra. This step is crucial for exposing the spinal cord and the AVM itself.
  • Step 4: AVM Identification After the spinal cord is exposed, the surgeon locates the AVM. This involves careful dissection to identify the abnormal blood vessels associated with the malformation.
  • Step 5: Ligation of Blood Vessels The blood vessels supplying the AVM are meticulously identified and ligated with sutures. This step is vital to prevent excessive bleeding during the excision or occlusion of the AVM.
  • Step 6: Excision or Occlusion Finally, the AVM is either excised or permanently occluded using sutures or clamps. This definitive action addresses the vascular anomaly and aims to alleviate the associated symptoms and risks.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following a laminectomy for cervical spinal cord AVM involves monitoring for any complications, such as bleeding or infection. Patients may require pain management and rehabilitation to aid recovery. The expected recovery period can vary based on the extent of the surgery and the patient's overall health. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess neurological function and ensure that the AVM has been adequately addressed. Additional imaging studies may be necessary to confirm the success of the procedure and to monitor for any recurrence of the AVM.

Short Descr REVISE SPINAL CORD VSLS CRVL
Medium Descr LAM EXC/OCCLUSION AVM SPINAL CORD CERVICAL
Long Descr Laminectomy for excision or occlusion of arteriovenous malformation of spinal cord; cervical
Status Code Active Code
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) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
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) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 3 - Laminectomy, excision intervertebral disc

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

22840 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Posterior non-segmental instrumentation (eg, Harrington rod technique, pedicle fixation across 1 interspace, atlantoaxial transarticular screw fixation, sublaminar wiring at C1, facet screw fixation) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22841 Addon Code MPFS Status: Bundled Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Internal spinal fixation by wiring of spinous processes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22842 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Posterior segmental instrumentation (eg, pedicle fixation, dual rods with multiple hooks and sublaminar wires); 3 to 6 vertebral segments (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22843 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Posterior segmental instrumentation (eg, pedicle fixation, dual rods with multiple hooks and sublaminar wires); 7 to 12 vertebral segments (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22844 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Posterior segmental instrumentation (eg, pedicle fixation, dual rods with multiple hooks and sublaminar wires); 13 or more vertebral segments (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22845 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Anterior instrumentation; 2 to 3 vertebral segments (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22846 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Anterior instrumentation; 4 to 7 vertebral segments (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22847 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Anterior instrumentation; 8 or more vertebral segments (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22848 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Pelvic fixation (attachment of caudal end of instrumentation to pelvic bony structures) other than sacrum (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22853 CPT Add On MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Insertion of interbody biomechanical device(s) (eg, synthetic cage, mesh) with integral anterior instrumentation for device anchoring (eg, screws, flanges), when performed, to intervertebral disc space in conjunction with interbody arthrodesis, each interspace (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22854 CPT Add On MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Insertion of intervertebral biomechanical device(s) (eg, synthetic cage, mesh) with integral anterior instrumentation for device anchoring (eg, screws, flanges), when performed, to vertebral corpectomy(ies) (vertebral body resection, partial or complete) defect, in conjunction with interbody arthrodesis, each contiguous defect (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22859 CPT Add On CPT Resequenced MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Insertion of intervertebral biomechanical device(s) (eg, synthetic cage, mesh, methylmethacrylate) to intervertebral disc space or vertebral body defect without interbody arthrodesis, each contiguous defect (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
63295 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Osteoplastic reconstruction of dorsal spinal elements, following primary intraspinal procedure (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
69990 Addon Code MPFS Status: Restricted APC N ASC N1 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article 1Microsurgical techniques, requiring use of operating microscope (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
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).
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.
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).
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
Date
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Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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