2025 CPT code 63271
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Nervous System Surgery Feed
Laminectomy for excision of an intradural lesion (other than a neoplasm) in the thoracic spine.
Modifiers may apply depending on the circumstances of the procedure (e.g., 59 for distinct procedural service, 22 for increased procedural service). Refer to the CPT codebook for modifier usage rules.
Medical necessity is established by demonstrating significant clinical symptoms (pain, weakness, sensory deficits) caused by the intradural lesion and the failure of conservative management. The procedure is necessary to decompress the spinal cord or nerve roots and alleviate symptoms.
The surgeon's responsibilities include patient preparation, anesthesia administration, incision, dissection, lamina removal, dural opening, lesion excision/evacuation, hemostasis, wound closure, and application of sterile dressing.
In simple words: The doctor removes a piece of bone from the spine (laminectomy) to reach and remove an abnormal growth inside the spinal cord covering in the mid-back area. This is done under general anesthesia, where the patient is asleep.
This procedure involves a laminectomy to access and remove or evacuate an intradural lesion (excluding neoplasms) within the thoracic spine.The patient is positioned prone under general anesthesia. A midline incision is made over the affected thoracic vertebra, and dissection proceeds through the subcutaneous tissue and muscles to expose the lamina.A portion of the lamina is removed to expose the dura mater, which is then incised. The intradural lesion is identified, excised or evacuated completely, and any excess fluid or blood is drained.The dura, muscles, and skin are then closed in layers.
Example 1: A 55-year-old patient presents with chronic thoracic pain and progressive weakness in the lower extremities, suggestive of spinal cord compression due to a meningioma., A 60-year-old patient experiences sudden onset of severe thoracic pain with sensory deficits after a minor trauma. Imaging reveals a spinal epidural hematoma., A 70-year-old patient has a history of progressive thoracic pain and radiculopathy. MRI indicates a large thoracic disc herniation causing spinal cord compression.This may require additional procedures like a discectomy.
Preoperative imaging (MRI or CT scan) showing the location and size of the lesion, operative report detailing the surgical procedure, including lesion characteristics, and postoperative imaging.
** This code should only be used when the lesion is intradural and not a neoplasm.Accurate documentation is crucial for appropriate code assignment and reimbursement.
- Revenue Code: P1G (MAJOR PROCEDURE - OTHER)
- RVU: Information not available in source.
- Global Days: Information not available in source.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: This information is not provided in the source.
- Fee Schedule: Information not available in source.
- Specialties:Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center