Start New EnglishEspañol中文РусскийالعربيةTiếng ViệtFrançaisDeutsch한국어Tagalog Library Performance
BETA v.3.0

2025 CPT code 63655

Laminectomy for implantation of neurostimulator electrodes, plate/paddle, epidural.

For removal or replacement of temporary percutaneous leads, do not report 63661 or 63663.When the permanent implant is done within the global period of a different procedure, use modifier 58.If more than one lead is used, report 63655 for each with modifier 59 if at different levels.Electronic analysis at implantation is inherent to placement and not separately reported.

Modifiers such as 58 (staged procedure), 59 (distinct procedure), 22 (increased procedural services), and others may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the procedure and payer guidelines.

Spinal cord stimulation is considered medically necessary for patients with chronic neuropathic pain that has not responded to other treatment modalities.The patient must meet specific criteria, including a thorough evaluation, failed conservative treatments, and appropriate patient selection determined by a multidisciplinary team.

The physician is responsible for the entire surgical procedure, including patient preparation, anesthesia, lead placement and anchoring, pulse generator implantation and connection, system programming, and post-operative care.

IMPORTANT:For percutaneous placement, see 63650. For generator insertion, see 63685.For removal of electrodes, see 63661, 63662.For percutaneous spinal cord or sacral electrode array and integrated neurostimulator, see 0784T, 0785T, 0786T, 0787T. For electronic analysis and programming of pulse generator/transmitter, see 95970-95972.

In simple words: The doctor removes a small part of your backbone to place a flat electrode near your spinal cord. This electrode sends signals to help control chronic pain and muscle spasms.This is a more permanent way to help manage your pain when other treatments haven't worked.

This procedure involves the surgical implantation of a neurostimulator electrode plate/paddle into the epidural space via a laminectomy.It's performed for spinal cord stimulation to manage chronic pain and spasms when broader coverage or reduced electrode movement risk is necessary.The procedure includes anchoring the electrodes, positioning the pulse generator, tunneling and connecting the leads, and programming the stimulation pattern.

Example 1: A patient with chronic back pain unresponsive to conservative treatment undergoes a successful trial with percutaneous leads. The physician performs a laminectomy and implants a paddle lead for long-term pain management., A patient with multiple sclerosis experiences painful spasms.A trial with percutaneous electrodes provides significant relief, and the physician performs a laminectomy to implant a plate electrode for more stable and broader stimulation., A patient with a failed back surgery syndrome has persistent nerve pain.Following a successful trial, the physician replaces the percutaneous leads with a paddle lead via laminectomy for wider coverage of the affected area.

Documentation should include the diagnosis, medical necessity for the procedure (including failed conservative treatments), details of the pre-operative evaluation, operative report (including lead type and location), confirmation of lead placement and testing results, programming parameters, and post-operative care plan.

** For Medicare patients, implanted neurostimulator devices are not separately reimbursed in an ASC, as reimbursement is bundled into the surgical procedure. Prior authorization is often required. Ensure documentation supports the medical necessity for the procedure, including failed conservative treatment options, patient selection criteria, and expected outcomes.

** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.

Discover what matters.

iFrame™ AI's knowledge is aligned with and limited to the materials uploaded by users and should not be interpreted as medical, legal, or any other form of advice by iFrame™.