2025 CPT code 22207
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Spine Surgery Musculoskeletal System Feed
Posterior or posterolateral spine osteotomy; three columns, one vertebral segment (e.g., pedicle/vertebral body subtraction); lumbar.
Modifiers 51 (multiple procedures), 62 (two surgeons), and 76 (repeat procedure) may be applicable depending on the clinical circumstances.
Medical necessity for 22207 is established when a patient has a significant spinal deformity causing pain, neurological deficits, or functional limitations that cannot be adequately addressed with conservative treatment. The procedure must be deemed necessary by a qualified surgeon to correct the deformity.
The clinical responsibility encompasses the entire surgical procedure, including patient preparation, surgical incision, precise bone resection from the three vertebral columns, careful neural structure protection, spinal realignment verification with intraoperative imaging, hemostasis, wound irrigation and closure. Post-operative care is billed separately.
In simple words: This surgery corrects a curve in the lower back by cutting and removing a wedge of bone from a vertebra (a bone in the spine). The surgeon works from the back of the spine, making a precise cut to realign the spine. This helps straighten the spine and may alleviate pain or other symptoms related to the spinal curvature.
This CPT code, 22207, describes a posterior or posterolateral surgical approach to the lumbar spine involving an osteotomy.The procedure includes resection of bone from three columns of a single vertebral segment, often involving pedicle or vertebral body subtraction. This is typically performed to correct spinal deformities by modifying the alignment of the spinal column.The procedure involves precise surgical dissection and resection of bone, with careful attention to avoid damage to the spinal cord and nerves.
Example 1: A 16-year-old female patient presents with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.A posterior spine osteotomy (22207) is performed to correct a significant curvature in the lumbar spine., A 45-year-old male patient with severe degenerative spondylolisthesis undergoes a posterior lumbar osteotomy (22207) to decompress the nerve roots and stabilize the spine, correcting the slippage of one vertebra over another.This might be combined with spinal fusion., A 60-year-old patient with adult scoliosis from previous trauma requires a corrective osteotomy (22207) of a single vertebral segment to improve posture and reduce pain. Instrumentation and bone grafting may also be needed.
Preoperative imaging studies (x-rays, CT scans, MRI) clearly demonstrating the spinal deformity.Operative report detailing the surgical approach, extent of bone resection, and intraoperative imaging findings confirming realignment.Postoperative imaging studies verifying the correction of spinal deformity.Complete patient history and physical examination, anesthesia record.
** Careful consideration of the three-column involvement is crucial for accurate code selection.Consult with a qualified coding specialist for complex cases or when multiple procedures are performed. The specific anatomical location of the osteotomy within the vertebral segment may impact the selection of additional codes.Intraoperative imaging is important for accurate assessment of spinal alignment and correction.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center