2025 CPT code 22224
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Spine (Vertebral Column) Musculoskeletal System Feed
Osteotomy of spine, including diskectomy, anterior approach, single vertebral segment; lumbar.
Modifiers, such as 51 (multiple procedures), 62 (two surgeons), 76 (repeat procedure by the same physician), and 77 (repeat procedure by another physician), may be applicable in certain situations.
Medical necessity for this procedure must be established by demonstrating that the patient has a condition that requires surgical intervention to correct spinal alignment or relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. Conservative treatments should have been tried and failed, or the patient's condition should be severe enough to warrant surgery.
The surgeon is responsible for performing the osteotomy, diskectomy, and realignment of the spine. This includes preoperative planning, intraoperative execution, and postoperative care.
In simple words: The surgeon makes an incision in the lower back to access the spine. A portion of a vertebra (one of the bones in the spine) is removed, and the disc between the bones is also taken out. This helps to correct the alignment of the spine.
This procedure involves cutting into the bone of the spine (osteotomy) to remove a portion of a vertebra and realign the spine. It includes removal of the intervertebral disc (diskectomy) and is performed through an anterior approach on a single vertebral segment in the lumbar region.
Example 1: A patient with scoliosis (curvature of the spine) in the lumbar region undergoes an anterior osteotomy to correct the curvature and restore proper alignment., A patient with a compression fracture in the lumbar spine undergoes an anterior osteotomy to remove the damaged bone, decompress the spinal cord, and stabilize the spine., A patient with spondylolisthesis (slipping of one vertebra over another) in the lumbar spine undergoes an anterior osteotomy to realign the vertebrae and relieve pressure on the nerves.
Documentation should include the diagnosis, operative report detailing the procedure performed, including the approach, the level of the osteotomy, and any associated procedures (such as diskectomy), and any complications encountered. Imaging studies (such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs) should also be documented.
- Revenue Code: P3D
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center