2025 CPT code 22208
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Spine Surgery Musculoskeletal System Feed
Add-on code for each additional vertebral segment after the first in a posterior or posterolateral spine osteotomy.
Modifier 51 (multiple procedures) may be appended if other procedures are performed.
The medical necessity for a posterior or posterolateral spine osteotomy must be supported by clinical documentation demonstrating the presence of a significant spinal deformity causing symptoms impacting the patient's quality of life.The necessity of additional levels should also be documented.
The surgeon's responsibility includes performing the osteotomy on the additional vertebral segments, including incision, bone resection, and wound closure. Preoperative planning, intraoperative monitoring, and postoperative care are also part of the clinical responsibility.
In simple words: This code is used when a doctor cuts into more than one bone in the spine to straighten it. It's added to the main code for the surgery and only applies to additional sections of the spine treated after the first section.
This CPT code, 22208, represents an add-on code for each additional vertebral segment addressed in a posterior or posterolateral spine osteotomy, following the initial vertebral segment addressed by codes 22206 or 22207.The procedure involves an osteotomy (bone incision) to correct spinal curvature.This code is only reported in addition to the primary procedure code (22206 or 22207) and should not be used with 22210-22226, 22830, or 63001-63091 when performed at the same level.It does not include separate bone grafting or instrumentation procedures which should be coded separately.
Example 1: A patient presents with scoliosis (lateral curvature of the spine).The surgeon performs a posterior spine osteotomy, addressing the primary curve at one level (22206) and then additional levels (22208 x 2) as needed. Bone graft and instrumentation codes would be reported separately if used., A patient suffers from kyphosis (forward curvature of the spine).The surgeon performs a posterior osteotomy on multiple segments.22207 (for the first segment) and 22208 (for each additional segment) would be reported, as well as any additional codes such as bone graft or instrumentation., A patient has a complex spinal deformity requiring osteotomy across multiple vertebral segments to correct the curvature. The surgeon performs a posterior approach osteotomy. 22207 (or 22206 depending on the level) is reported for the initial level and 22208 for each additional level.Modifier 51 (multiple procedures) would be added to indicate that multiple procedures were performed.
Operative report detailing the number of vertebral segments addressed, approach (posterior or posterolateral), and surgical technique.Preoperative and postoperative imaging (X-rays, CT scans) demonstrating the extent of the correction.
** Always refer to the most current CPT codebook and coding guidelines for the most up-to-date information.This information is for guidance only and should not be considered definitive medical advice.
- Revenue Code: P3D (Major Procedure, Orthopedic - Other)
- RVU: Information not available in source.Consult the CMS national physician fee schedule for current RVU values.
- Global Days: Global period information not specified in the provided text.The global period will vary based on the primary procedure performed.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Fee Schedule: Information not available in provided source. Consult historical CPT fee schedules for details.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center