2025 CPT code 22214
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Musculoskeletal System Feed
Osteotomy of spine, posterior or posterolateral approach, 1 vertebral segment; lumbar.
Modifiers such as 22 (Increased Procedural Services), 51 (Multiple Procedures), 62 (Two Surgeons), and 76 (Repeat Procedure by Same Physician) may be applicable depending on the circumstances. Refer to current CPT guidelines for modifier usage.
Medical necessity for 22214 must be supported by documentation demonstrating the patient's condition (e.g., scoliosis, fracture, spondylolisthesis) causing significant pain, functional impairment, or neurological compromise that failed conservative treatment. Imaging studies confirming the diagnosis and the need for surgical intervention are crucial.
The surgeon makes an incision in the patient's back, dissects through muscle and tissue to expose the affected vertebra. Portions of the vertebra are removed, including the spinous process, lamina, facets, pedicles, and lateral bone, protecting the nerve roots and spinal cord. The spine is then realigned, and the incision is closed.
In simple words: The surgeon removes a piece of bone from your lower back to straighten your spine.
The provider performs an osteotomy (a surgical removal of a bone piece) on one lumbar vertebra to realign the spine and correct spinal deformities.The surgical approach is either posterior (from the back) or posterolateral (from the back and side).
Example 1: A 50-year-old patient with severe scoliosis in the lumbar spine undergoes a posterior osteotomy of L4 to correct the curvature., A 35-year-old patient with a lumbar vertebral fracture and spinal instability undergoes a posterolateral osteotomy at L2 to realign the spine and restore stability., A 60-year-old patient with lumbar spondylolisthesis undergoes an osteotomy at L5-S1 to decompress the spinal cord and improve stability.
Documentation should include the operative report detailing the surgical approach (posterior or posterolateral), the specific vertebra operated on, the reason for the osteotomy (e.g., scoliosis, fracture, spondylolisthesis), and any associated procedures, such as bone grafting or instrumentation. Pre- and postoperative imaging studies should also be included.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center