2025 CPT code 63103
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Nervous System Surgery Feed
Vertebral corpectomy, additional segment.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure.For example, modifier 51 (multiple procedures) might be considered when using 63103 alongside 63101 or 63102.Consult the CPT manual and your payer's guidelines.
Medical necessity is established by documentation of significant spinal cord or nerve root compression due to fracture, tumor, or deformity, requiring decompression and stabilization.The extent of bone resection should be justified based on clinical findings.
The surgeon is responsible for performing the vertebral corpectomy, including the decompression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, and any necessary stabilization procedures (e.g., fusion, reconstruction).
In simple words: This is an additional procedure performed during a spinal surgery (corpectomy) where the doctor removes part or all of a bone and disc from another part of the spine to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This may be done because of a fracture, tumor, or spinal deformity.
This add-on code reports removal of part or all of a thoracic or lumbar vertebral bone and intervertebral disc material from an additional vertebra during a corpectomy.A lateral extracavitary (LECA) approach is used to decompress the spinal cord and nerves and stabilize the spine. This is typically performed due to fracture, tumor, or deformity.The procedure involves accessing the additional vertebra through the initial incision or a new incision.Bone and disc material are removed using surgical tools, hemostasis is achieved, and fusion/reconstruction may be performed to stabilize the spine.
Example 1: A patient presents with a metastatic tumor compressing the spinal cord at T12-L1.A corpectomy is performed at T12, and an additional segment (L1) requires resection and decompression using code 63103., A patient sustains a burst fracture at L3-L4. After initial decompression and corpectomy at L3, an additional segment (L4) is addressed with partial corpectomy due to bone fragments impinging on the nerve roots, necessitating code 63103., A patient with severe scoliosis undergoes a spinal fusion procedure with corpectomy at T6-T7.Additional segments (T5 and T8) require partial corpectomy and decompression to correct the spinal curvature, necessitating the use of 63103 twice, as it is an add-on code.
* Preoperative imaging (CT, MRI) demonstrating the need for corpectomy.* Operative report detailing the approach, extent of bone resection, decompression techniques, and stabilization procedures.* Pathology report if applicable (e.g., tumor resection).* Postoperative imaging to assess surgical outcome.
** This add-on code reports each additional segment of thoracic or lumbar spine requiring corpectomy beyond the initial segment(s) addressed by 63101 or 63102.The number of 63103 codes reported should accurately reflect the number of additional segments addressed during the same operative session.
- Revenue Code: P1G (MAJOR PROCEDURE - OTHER)
- RVU: Information not available in provided text.RVUs vary based on geographic location and other factors. Consult a relevant fee schedule for current values.
- Global Days: Information not available in provided text. The global period for this add-on code would depend on the global period assigned to the primary procedure (63101 or 63102).
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier is not directly applicable, as this is an add-on code.The TC modifier would apply to the primary procedure (63101 or 63102).
- Fee Schedule: Information not available.Consult a historical CPT fee schedule for relevant data.
- Specialties:Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center