2025 CPT code 63307
(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 body resection (corpectomy) for intraspinal lesion excision in a single lumbar or sacral segment, using a transperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach; intradural.
Modifiers 59 (distinct procedural service), 62 (two surgeons), and others may be appropriate depending on the circumstances of the procedure.
Medical necessity for a corpectomy is established when conservative management (e.g., medication, physical therapy) fails to relieve significant neurological deficits or pain caused by an intraspinal lesion that compromises spinal cord function or nerve root integrity.Pre-operative imaging must demonstrate the need for the surgical intervention.
The neurosurgeon or spine surgeon is primarily responsible for performing the corpectomy and excision of the intraspinal lesion. Anesthesiologists manage anesthesia.Other specialists (e.g., orthopedists, neurologists) may be involved pre- and post-operatively.
- Surgical Procedures on the Spine and Spinal Cord
- Surgical Procedures on the Spine and Spinal Cord; Vertebral Corpectomy
In simple words: This surgery removes part or all of a bone in your lower back (vertebra) to reach and remove a diseased area affecting the spinal cord.The surgeon accesses the spine through either the abdomen or the back. This relieves pressure on the spinal cord and improves nerve function.
This CPT code, 63307, encompasses the surgical removal of a portion or all of a single vertebra's body (corpectomy) to access and excise an intradural lesion within the lumbar or sacral spine.The surgical approach is either transperitoneal (through the abdomen) or retroperitoneal (through the back). The procedure involves meticulous dissection to reach the affected vertebral segment, followed by resection of the vertebral body.The dura mater is opened (intradural) to access and remove the lesion.Post-excision, the surgical site may require stabilization with bone grafts and/or internal fixation devices.The procedure requires a high degree of surgical skill and precision to avoid neurological complications.
Example 1: A patient presents with severe radiculopathy (nerve pain radiating down the leg) caused by a large intradural tumor compressing the spinal cord at the L4-L5 level. A transperitoneal corpectomy is performed to remove the tumor and decompress the nerve roots., A patient with a history of spinal stenosis experiences progressive weakness and gait instability. Imaging reveals a severe narrowing of the spinal canal at the L3-L4 level. A retroperitoneal corpectomy is performed to remove a portion of the vertebral body, relieving pressure on the spinal cord., A patient presents with acute onset of paraplegia due to a massive intradural tumor in the sacral region. An emergency retroperitoneal corpectomy is performed to decompress the spinal cord and mitigate neurological deficits.
Detailed operative report specifying approach (transperitoneal or retroperitoneal), vertebral level, extent of corpectomy, lesion description (type, size, location), intraoperative findings (nerve root involvement, bleeding), type and amount of bone graft used (if any), and details of instrumentation (if used).Pre-operative imaging (MRI, CT), post-operative imaging, pathology report of excised lesion.Consent form.Patient history including neurological symptoms.
** This code is used for intradural lesions.Extradural lesions would use a different code.The description and coding should accurately reflect the extent of the corpectomy (partial or complete).
- Revenue Code: This will vary based on payer and facility.Check payer-specific guidelines for appropriate revenue codes.
- RVU: RVUs vary based on geographic location, facility type (non-facility vs. facility), and other factors. Consult a relevant RVU database for the most up-to-date values.
- Global Days: The global period for this procedure is typically 90 days post-operative, but this can vary based on payer and the complexity of the procedure. Always refer to the specific payer's guidelines.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: This would not normally use a TC modifier as it is not a bundled service with a professional component.
- Fee Schedule: Fee schedules vary widely based on location, payer, and year. Consult a reliable fee schedule database for historical data.
- Specialties:Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center