2025 CPT code 63076
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Spine and Spinal Cord Surgery Feed
Anterior cervical discectomy with decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve root(s), including osteophytectomy, each additional interspace (add-on code to 63075).
Modifier 62 (Two Surgeons) is applicable when two surgeons act as primary surgeons performing distinct parts of the procedure.
Must be documented preoperatively and demonstrated intraoperatively. The need for each additional discectomy must be clinically justified based on symptoms, neurological findings, and imaging studies. Justification may include radiculopathy, myelopathy, or failed conservative treatment.
The surgeon performs this procedure following the initial discectomy (63075) during the same session. This involves accessing and removing the herniated disc material from the additional interspace(s), decompressing the affected nerves and/or spinal cord.Bone graft may be used to stabilize the spine.This requires careful dissection and manipulation within the cervical region.
In simple words: This procedure involves removing an additional herniated disc in the neck during the same surgery as the first disc removal. It helps relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This is an additional procedure performed during the same surgery and is billed in addition to the primary procedure.
This add-on code describes the surgical removal of a herniated disc in the cervical spine through an anterior approach, along with decompression of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots and removal of any bone spurs (osteophytes), performed at each additional interspace during the same operative session.It is used in conjunction with the primary procedure code 63075.
Example 1: A patient presents with multilevel cervical disc herniations at C5-C6 and C6-C7 causing radiculopathy.An anterior cervical discectomy is performed at both levels during the same operation. 63075 would be reported for the first level and 63076 for the second level (C6-C7)., A patient has cervical disc herniations at C4-C5, C5-C6 and C6-C7. A triple-level anterior discectomy is performed. The surgeon would report 63075 for C4-C5, 63076 for C5-C6, and another 63076 for C6-C7., A patient undergoes an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at C5-C6 (22551). During the same session, a separate discectomy is performed at C6-C7 due to a newly discovered herniated disc.In this case, 22551 is reported along with 63076 for the additional discectomy at C6-C7.
Operative report detailing the approach (anterior), levels of discectomies performed, decompression of neural elements, any osteophytectomy, and use of bone graft. Documentation must support medical necessity for each level.
** This code is specific to the cervical spine and is reported for each additional interspace following the primary procedure (63075).Accurate documentation of each level treated is critical for proper coding and reimbursement.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Specialties:Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center