2025 CPT code 22554
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Spine Musculoskeletal System Feed
Anterior interbody arthrodesis, including minimal discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression); cervical below C2.
Modifiers 51 (multiple procedures), 62 (two surgeons), and potentially others depending on the circumstances.
Medical necessity is established by clinical findings of cervical spine pathology causing pain, which is unresponsive to conservative management (physical therapy, medication).The documentation should demonstrate failed conservative management and the need for surgical intervention.
The surgeon performs an anterior approach to the cervical spine, dissects the tissues, removes the annulus and part of the disc material, prepares the intervertebral space, and inserts a bone graft. Post-operative care is included within the global surgical period.
In simple words: This code describes a surgical procedure to fuse two vertebrae in the neck (spinal fusion).The doctor makes an incision in the front of the neck, removes a small amount of disc material, and then inserts a bone graft to permanently join the vertebrae, relieving pain.
This CPT code, 22554, represents an anterior interbody arthrodesis (spinal fusion) of the cervical spine (below C2).The procedure involves a minimal discectomy to prepare the intervertebral space for fusion, but not for decompression.It includes the surgical approach, preparation of the interspace, and placement of the bone graft.Bone grafting and instrumentation are reported separately.If performed with another definitive procedure, modifier 51 is added.The code should not be used with 63075.When two surgeons each perform distinct parts of the procedure, modifier 62 is appended to the code for each surgeon.
Example 1: A 45-year-old patient presents with chronic neck pain due to a degenerative disc disease at C3-C4.Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is performed at this level using 22554. Bone graft is harvested separately and coded appropriately. , A 60-year-old patient with cervical spondylosis undergoes ACDF at C5-C6 and C6-C7.Code 22554 is used for C5-C6, and 22585 is added for the additional level of C6-C7.Appropriate bone graft codes are also included. , Two surgeons collaborate on an ACDF at C4-C5.Surgeon A performs the anterior exposure and mobilization, while Surgeon B performs the discectomy and fusion. Both surgeons report 22554 with modifier 62.
Preoperative imaging (X-rays, CT, MRI) demonstrating the need for the procedure. Operative report detailing the surgical approach, removal of disc material, preparation of the intervertebral space, and placement of bone graft.Postoperative imaging to assess fusion.
** The amount of disc material removed should be minimal; if significant decompression is needed, a different code should be used.The use of allografts or autografts will require additional coding.
- Revenue Code: P3D (MAJOR PROCEDURE, ORTHOPEDIC - OTHER)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center