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Official Description

Vertebral corpectomy (vertebral body resection), partial or complete, for excision of intraspinal lesion, single segment; each additional segment (List separately in addition to codes for single segment)

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Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 63308 refers to a surgical procedure known as vertebral corpectomy, which involves the resection or removal of a vertebral body. This procedure can be performed partially or completely and is specifically indicated for the excision of an intraspinal lesion affecting a single segment of the spine. In cases where more than one vertebral segment requires resection, this code is used to document each additional segment resected, following the primary procedure. The common language description clarifies that after the spine has been exposed, the surgeon assesses the need for resection of multiple vertebral segments. The initial segment, along with the superior and inferior intervertebral discs, is excised as part of the primary procedure. If additional contiguous vertebral segments are necessary for resection, the intervertebral discs adjacent to the vertebral body are removed first, followed by the removal of the vertebral body itself. This code is essential for accurately capturing the complexity and extent of the surgical intervention when multiple segments are involved.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 63308 is indicated for the excision of intraspinal lesions that necessitate the removal of one or more vertebral segments. The specific indications for performing a vertebral corpectomy may include:

  • Intraspinal Tumors The presence of tumors located within the spinal canal that require surgical intervention for removal.
  • Spinal Fractures Severe fractures of the vertebral body that compromise spinal stability or neurological function.
  • Infection Conditions such as osteomyelitis or discitis that lead to the destruction of vertebral bodies and necessitate surgical resection.
  • Degenerative Diseases Advanced degenerative conditions that result in significant spinal canal stenosis or instability.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 63308 involves several critical steps to ensure the effective resection of the vertebral body and associated structures. The steps are as follows:

  • Step 1: Exposure of the Spine The surgical team begins by making an incision to expose the affected area of the spine. This exposure is crucial for accessing the vertebral bodies that require resection.
  • Step 2: Assessment of Lesion Once the spine is exposed, the surgeon evaluates the extent of the intraspinal lesion and determines the necessity for resection of one or more vertebral segments.
  • Step 3: Resection of Intervertebral Discs The intervertebral discs located above and below the targeted vertebral body are excised first. This step is essential to facilitate the removal of the vertebral body itself.
  • Step 4: Resection of Vertebral Body Following the removal of the intervertebral discs, the surgeon proceeds to resect the vertebral body. This may involve partial or complete removal, depending on the extent of the lesion and the surgical plan.
  • Step 5: Additional Segment Resection If the procedure requires the resection of additional contiguous vertebral segments, the same steps of disc removal followed by vertebral body resection are repeated for each segment as necessary.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the vertebral corpectomy, post-procedure care is critical for patient recovery. Patients are typically monitored for any complications, such as infection or neurological deficits. Pain management is initiated, and physical therapy may be recommended to aid in recovery and restore mobility. Follow-up imaging may be necessary to assess the surgical site and ensure proper healing. The duration of recovery can vary based on the extent of the surgery and the patient's overall health status.

Short Descr REMOVE VERTEBRAL BODY ADD-ON
Medium Descr VERTEBRAL CORPECTOMY EXC INDRL LES EACH SEG
Long Descr Vertebral corpectomy (vertebral body resection), partial or complete, for excision of intraspinal lesion, single segment; each additional segment (List separately in addition to codes for single segment)
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) 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 3
CCS Clinical Classification 9 - Other OR therapeutic nervous system procedures

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

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
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)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
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.
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.
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.)
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).
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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