2025 CPT code 63087
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Vertebral Corpectomy Surgical Procedures on the Spine and Spinal Cord Feed
Partial or complete vertebral corpectomy (vertebral body resection) with decompression, using a combined thoracolumbar approach; single lower thoracic or lumbar segment.
Modifiers 59 (distinct procedural service) and 62 (two surgeons) may apply depending on the circumstances.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of significant neurological deficits or spinal instability caused by the vertebral pathology.Documentation must demonstrate the need for surgical intervention to alleviate symptoms and improve neurological function.
The surgeon is responsible for all aspects of the procedure, including the incision, resection of the vertebral body, decompression of the spinal cord and nerves, and any necessary reconstruction (using bone grafts, plates, or other implants).Anesthesiologist is involved.
- Surgical Procedures on the Spine and Spinal Cord
- Anterior or Anterolateral Approach for Extradural Exploration/Decompression Procedures on the Spine and Spinal Cord
In simple words: The surgeon removes part or all of a vertebra in the lower back, using an incision that combines a mid-back and lower-back approach.This is done to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
This CPT code encompasses the surgical excision (removal) of a portion or all of a lower thoracic or lumbar vertebra.The approach is a combined mid and lower back (thoracolumbar) method. The procedure includes decompression of the spinal cord, cauda equina, and/or nerve roots at a single level.A partial corpectomy is defined as removal of at least one-third of the vertebral body in the thoracic and lumbar spine.
Example 1: A patient presents with severe spinal stenosis at L4-L5 causing significant neurological deficits.A combined thoracolumbar approach is used to perform a partial corpectomy at L4, decompressing the nerve roots.Post-operative fusion is also performed., A patient with a large metastatic lesion compressing the spinal cord at T12 is treated with a complete corpectomy of T12 followed by spinal stabilization.This involved removal of the entire vertebral body and decompression., A patient with a burst fracture at L1 with cord compression undergoes a partial corpectomy at L1 with decompression.The surgeon uses a combined anterior-posterior approach to achieve sufficient decompression and stabilize the spine.
Preoperative imaging (MRI, CT), operative report detailing the approach, extent of resection, decompression achieved, and any instrumentation used.Post-operative imaging to confirm decompression and fusion (if applicable).Patient's medical history including neurological examinations before and after surgery.
** The definition of "partial" corpectomy varies slightly depending on the vertebral level.Thorough documentation is essential to ensure proper reimbursement.
- Revenue Code: P1F (Major Procedure - Explor/Decompr/ExcisDisc)
- RVU: The RVUs for this code vary depending on the payer and geographic location.Consult the AMA's RUC data or your specific payer's fee schedule for current RVU values.
- Global Days: The global surgical period for this procedure is typically 90 days, encompassing pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care, though this can be subject to payer specific guidelines. Further clarification with the specific payer is needed.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.This code represents the entire procedure.
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedules vary considerably by payer and location.Data can be accessed through your payer's fee schedule databases.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center