2025 CPT code 22552
Arthrodesis, anterior interbody, including disc space preparation, discectomy, osteophytectomy and decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve roots; cervical below C2, each additional interspace (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Modifier 62 (Two Surgeons), Modifier 51(Multiple Procedures), Modifier 76(Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional), Modifier 77(Repeat procedure or service by another physician or other qualified health care professional)
Medical necessity must be established by documenting the patient's symptoms, neurological findings, failed conservative treatment, and the impact on their quality of life. The documentation should demonstrate that surgery is the most appropriate treatment option.
The surgeon is responsible for performing the surgical procedure, including patient preparation, anesthesia, incision, disc removal, decompression, bone grafting, and closure. They also ensure proper documentation and post-operative care.
In simple words: This procedure involves fusing the bones in the neck (vertebrae) together to treat pain and other symptoms. The surgeon accesses the spine through the front of the neck, removes the damaged disc, relieves pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, and then adds bone graft material to promote fusion. This code is for each additional level of the spine treated during the same procedure.
This code describes a surgical procedure where the surgeon performs an anterior interbody arthrodesis, including disc space preparation, discectomy, osteophytectomy, and decompression of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots in the cervical spine below C2.This code is used for each additional interspace and is listed separately in addition to the primary procedure code (22551).
Example 1: A patient presents with multilevel cervical disc herniations at C3-C4 and C4-C5 causing radiculopathy. The surgeon performs an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at both levels. 22551 is reported for the first level, and 22552 is reported for the additional level (C4-C5)., A patient has spondylosis at C4-C5 and C5-C6. The surgeon performs an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at both levels using interbody cages and anterior plating.22551 would be reported for the first level, C4-C5, and 22552 would be billed for C5-C6., A patient with cervical stenosis and myelopathy at C3-C4, C4-C5, and C5-C6 undergoes a three-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.Code 22551 is reported for the first level, with 22552 reported twice for the other two levels.
Operative report detailing the approach, levels treated, disc removal, decompression, type of bone graft, and any instrumentation used. Pre- and post-operative imaging studies.
** For additional interspaces beyond the first, use 22585.It's crucial to accurately document the number of interspaces treated to ensure correct coding.
- Specialties:Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital