2025 CPT code 22848
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Spinal Instrumentation Procedures Musculoskeletal System Feed
Pelvic fixation (attachment of caudal end of spinal instrumentation to pelvic bony structures, excluding the sacrum).Reported separately in addition to the primary procedure code.
Modifier 51 (multiple procedures) may be appended when reporting 22848 with other definitive procedures in the same surgical session.Other modifiers might be appropriate under specific circumstances, but should be used according to payer guidelines.
Pelvic fixation is medically necessary when additional stabilization is required for spinal fusion or instrumentation to achieve a stable construct. The necessity is determined based on the individual patient's clinical presentation and surgical plan.
The surgeon's responsibilities include pre-operative planning, surgical exposure of the iliac wings, insertion of guide pins and rods, linking the pelvic fixation device to the spinal rod, and wound closure.The surgeon must also consider and address any potential complications during the procedure. The surgeon is ultimately responsible for the clinical outcome.
In simple words: The doctor attaches the lower part of a spinal device to the hip bones (but not the tailbone) during spine surgery, like a spinal fusion. This is done in addition to the main spine surgery.
This CPT code, 22848, represents the surgical procedure of pelvic fixation, specifically the attachment of the caudal (lower) end of a spinal instrumentation device to the pelvic bones, excluding the sacrum.This is an add-on code and must be reported with a primary procedure code such as spinal fusion (arthrodesis) or other spinal instrumentation procedures. The procedure involves exposing the iliac wings, inserting guide pins, contouring and inserting the pelvic fixation rods, and linking them to the spinal rod.The surgical approach, whether anterior or posterior, and the type of instrumentation (segmental or non-segmental) will determine the selection of the appropriate primary procedure code to use in conjunction with this code.Appreciable vessel exploration or neuroplasty should be reported separately if performed.
Example 1: A patient undergoes posterior spinal fusion (L4-S1) with pedicle screw fixation.Code 22848 is added to the primary code for the pelvic fixation component., A patient undergoes anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with anterior plate fixation. Code 22848 is added if pelvic fixation was performed as an additional component., During a revision spinal surgery, the surgeon removes existing instrumentation and inserts new instrumentation.22848 would be used if there is a pelvic fixation element.Appropriate removal and reinsertion codes may also need to be reported.
** Always confirm code validity and reimbursement policies with the specific payer.The use of this code requires careful consideration of the primary procedure performed and the overall surgical plan.Documentation must clearly support the medical necessity of pelvic fixation.
- Revenue Code: P3D (MAJOR PROCEDURE, ORTHOPEDIC - OTHER)
- RVU: RVUs will vary based on geographic location, facility type, and other factors.Consult your local Medicare fee schedule or other payer's reimbursement guidelines.
- Global Days: The global period is determined by the primary procedure code and payer's guidelines.This is an add-on code, therefore, the global period will not directly apply to this code alone.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier is not applicable to this code.
- Fee Schedule: Fee schedules vary by payer and geographic location. Consult your payer's fee schedule for specific historical and current rates.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center