2025 CPT code 22220
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System Feed
Anterior osteotomy of the cervical spine, including discectomy, for a single vertebral segment.
Modifiers applicable:1. 22 - Increased Procedural Services2. 50 - Bilateral Procedure3. 51 - Multiple Procedures4. 52 - Reduced Services5. 59 - Distinct Procedural Service6. 62 - Two Surgeons7. 76 - Repeat Procedure by Same Physician8. 77 - Repeat Procedure by Another Physician9. 78- Return to the Operating Room10. 79 - Unrelated Procedure or Service by the Same Physician
Medical necessity should be supported by documentation of the patient's condition, including imaging studies (X-rays, CT, MRI), neurological examination findings, and failed conservative treatments. The documentation must demonstrate that the procedure is necessary for the patient's health and well-being.
In simple words: The surgeon makes an incision in the front of your neck to access the spine. They remove a piece of bone from one of your vertebrae and the disc between the vertebrae. This helps straighten the spine and relieve pressure.
This procedure involves cutting into the cervical spine (neck) from the front (anterior approach), removing a portion of a vertebra (osteotomy), and also removing the intervertebral disc (discectomy). It's done to correct a deformity or improve alignment in a single vertebral segment.
Example 1: A patient with severe cervical kyphosis (forward curvature of the neck) undergoes an anterior osteotomy with discectomy at C5 to correct the deformity and relieve nerve compression.,A patient with ankylosing spondylitis and a rigid, misaligned neck undergoes an anterior osteotomy with discectomy at multiple levels (using code 22220 for the first level and add-on code 22226 for additional levels) to improve head position and function.,A patient with a cervical fracture and dislocation undergoes an anterior osteotomy with discectomy to realign the spine and stabilize the injury.
Documentation should include the operative report detailing the surgical approach, the specific vertebra operated on, the extent of the osteotomy and discectomy, the reason for the procedure (diagnosis), any complications, and intraoperative findings.
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center