Q&A: Simplify coding for spinal decompression
Q: What are spinal decompression procedures and how are they reported in CPT?
A: Spinal decompression procedures are used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves and alleviate pain associated with nerve root irritation. These procedures involve the excision or removal of bone and tissue that is pressing on the spinal cord or nerves.
The following are common decompressive procedures and CPT codes used to report them:
- Laminectomy: 63001–63017, 63045–63048
- A laminectomy is the total removal of the lamina (the roof of the spinal canal).
- Laminotomy: 63020–63044
- A laminotomy is the partial removal of the lamina.
- Laminoplasty: 63050–63051
- A laminoplasty is a surgical procedure that enlarges the spinal canal.
- Transpedicular approach: 63055–63057
- A transpedicular approach requires removal of part of one of the two pedicles (cylinder-shaped projections of hard bone that stick out from the back part of each vertebral body).
- Costovertebral approach: 63064–63066
- A costovertebral approach involves a partial rib excision and removal of the transverse process on the affected side of the vertebra so that a ventral window can be created for visualization of the spinal cord and nerve roots.
Editor’s note: This question was answered by Lynn Anderanin CPC, CPMA, CPPM, CPC-I, COSC, senior director of coding education at Healthcare Information Services in Park Ridge, Illinois, during the HCPro webinar, “Spinal Coding Made Simple: Incorporate 2020 ICD-10-CM and CPT Updates.”
This answer was provided based on limited information. Be sure to review all documentation specific to your own individual scenario before determining appropriate code assignment.