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

Laminectomy for biopsy/excision of intraspinal neoplasm; intradural, extramedullary, cervical

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 63280 involves a laminectomy performed specifically for the biopsy or excision of an intraspinal neoplasm that is located intradurally and extramedullarily in the cervical region. An intraspinal neoplasm refers to a tumor that can be benign, malignant, or of uncertain behavior, situated within the protective dura mater of the spinal cord but not invading the spinal cord itself. This distinction is crucial as it influences the surgical approach and potential outcomes. During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the skin over the cervical area where the tumor is located, extending down to the spinous processes to access the spine. The muscle tissue is carefully retracted to expose the lamina and facet joint, allowing for the use of a bone drill to remove part or all of the lamina, which is the bony arch of the vertebra. This step is essential for exposing the spinal cord and the tumor within the dura mater. Once the tumor is identified, the dura is incised, and the tumor is assessed to confirm that it lies outside the spinal cord. A biopsy may be taken for pathological examination, and if the tumor is amenable to excision, it is meticulously dissected from surrounding tissues, often with the aid of an operating microscope to ensure precision. After complete removal, the dura is closed with sutures or a dural patch graft to restore the integrity of the protective covering of the spinal cord.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure is indicated for the evaluation and treatment of intraspinal neoplasms that are located intradurally and extramedullarily in the cervical region. These tumors may present with various symptoms, including but not limited to:

  • Neurological deficits that may arise from compression of spinal structures.
  • Pain in the cervical region, which may radiate to other areas.
  • Progressive weakness or sensory changes in the upper extremities.
  • Changes in bowel or bladder function due to spinal cord involvement.

2. Procedure

The laminectomy for biopsy/excision of an intraspinal neoplasm involves several critical procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Incision The surgeon begins by making a skin incision over the cervical region where the tumor is suspected to be located. This incision is carefully extended down to the spinous processes to provide adequate access to the spine.
  • Step 2: Muscle Retraction Once the incision is made, the muscle tissue is retracted away from the lamina and facet joint to expose the underlying bony structures of the spine.
  • Step 3: Laminectomy A bone drill is utilized 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 dura mater that encases it.
  • Step 4: Tumor Identification After the lamina is removed, the spinal cord is exposed, and the tumor is identified within the dura mater. The surgeon confirms that the tumor is located outside the spinal cord.
  • Step 5: Dura Incision The dura mater is then incised over the site of the tumor to allow access for biopsy or excision.
  • Step 6: Biopsy or Excision A tissue sample may be obtained for pathology examination. If the tumor is suitable for excision, the surgeon carefully dissects it away from surrounding tissues, often using an operating microscope for precision. Once the tumor is completely free, it is removed.
  • Step 7: Closure After the tumor has been excised, the dura is closed with sutures or a dural patch graft to restore the protective covering of the spinal cord.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient for any complications related to the surgery, such as infection or cerebrospinal fluid leaks. Patients may experience pain at the surgical site, which can be managed with appropriate analgesics. Rehabilitation may be necessary to address any neurological deficits or weakness resulting from the tumor or the surgical intervention. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess recovery and the results of the pathology examination, guiding further treatment if necessary.

Short Descr BX/EXC IDRL SPINE LESN CRVL
Medium Descr LAM BX/EXC ISPI NEO IDRL XMED CERVICAL
Long Descr Laminectomy for biopsy/excision of intraspinal neoplasm; intradural, extramedullary, 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 9 - Other OR therapeutic nervous system procedures

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)
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).
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.
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.
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
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
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code 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"