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, intramedullary, cervical

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 63285 involves a laminectomy performed specifically for the biopsy or excision of an intraspinal neoplasm that is located intradurally and intramedullarily within the cervical region of the spinal cord. An intraspinal neoplasm refers to a tumor that can be benign, malignant, or of uncertain behavior, and is situated within the protective dura mater surrounding the spinal cord. This procedure is critical for diagnosing and treating tumors that may affect spinal cord function. During the laminectomy, an incision is made in the skin over the cervical area, allowing access to the spine. The surgical approach requires careful retraction of muscle and removal of bone to expose the spinal cord and the tumor. The tumor is then accessed through an incision in the dura mater, and a biopsy may be taken for pathological examination. If the tumor is deemed excisable, it is meticulously dissected from surrounding tissues using an operating microscope to ensure complete removal while preserving spinal cord integrity. The procedure concludes with the closure of the dura mater, which may involve sutures or a dural patch graft to ensure proper healing and protection of the spinal cord.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Intraspinal Neoplasm The presence of a tumor within the dura mater that may be benign, malignant, or of uncertain behavior, necessitating biopsy or excision for diagnosis or treatment.

2. Procedure

The laminectomy procedure for biopsy or excision of an intraspinal neoplasm involves several critical steps:

  • Step 1: Incision The procedure begins with an incision made in the skin over the cervical region where the tumor is 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 surrounding muscle is retracted away from the lamina and facet joint to expose the underlying bony structures of the spine.
  • Step 3: Bone Removal A bone drill is utilized to remove part or all of the lamina, which is the bony arch of the vertebra, allowing for direct access to the spinal cord and the tumor.
  • Step 4: Tumor Identification With the spinal cord exposed, the tumor is identified within the dura mater. The dura is then incised over the site of the tumor to facilitate access.
  • Step 5: Biopsy and Tumor Excision If the tumor is determined to extend into the spinal cord tissues, a tissue sample may be obtained for pathology examination. Following the biopsy, if the tumor is amenable to excision, it is carefully dissected away from the surrounding tissue using an operating microscope to ensure precision and minimize damage to adjacent structures.
  • Step 6: Closure After the tumor is completely excised, the dura mater is closed using sutures or a dural patch graft to restore the protective barrier around 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 require pain management and will be observed for neurological function to ensure that the spinal cord is not adversely affected. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to assess recovery and to discuss the results of the pathology examination if a biopsy was performed. Rehabilitation may also be recommended to aid in recovery and restore function.

Short Descr BX/EXC IDRL IMED LESN CERVL
Medium Descr LAM BX/EXC ISPI NEO IDRL IMED CERVICAL
Long Descr Laminectomy for biopsy/excision of intraspinal neoplasm; intradural, intramedullary, 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.
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
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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"