2025 CPT code 22212
(Valid) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Spine (Vertebral Column) Musculoskeletal System Feed
Osteotomy of spine, posterior or posterolateral approach, one vertebral segment; thoracic
Modifiers may be applicable in certain situations. For example, modifier 51 is used when the osteotomy is performed in addition to another procedure, and modifier 62 is used for co-surgeons. Other modifiers like 22 (increased procedural services) or 59 (distinct procedural services) might be relevant depending on the complexity and specific circumstances of the case. Modifier 62 should not be appended to bone graft codes used in the procedure.
Medical necessity for this procedure is established by documenting the presence of a spinal deformity that causes significant functional impairment, pain, or neurological compromise. Conservative treatments should be attempted and documented before resorting to surgery. Payer-specific guidelines may also apply.
The surgeon performs the osteotomy after the patient is prepped and anesthetized. They make an incision, expose the vertebra, remove parts of it, realign the spine, and close the incision.Decompression of the spinal cord, cauda equina, and/or nerve roots is included in the procedure.
In simple words: The surgeon makes a cut in one of the bones in your upper back to straighten your spine. This helps fix problems like scoliosis or other deformities.
This procedure involves surgically cutting a portion of a thoracic vertebra (in the upper back) to realign the spine and correct spinal deformities. The approach is either posterior (from the back) or posterolateral (from the back and side).
Example 1: A patient with severe scoliosis in the thoracic spine requires surgical correction to improve spinal alignment and lung function., A patient with a thoracic vertebral fracture that causes instability requires an osteotomy to stabilize the spine and prevent further neurological damage., A patient with a congenital spinal deformity in the thoracic region undergoes an osteotomy to improve posture and reduce pain.
Documentation should include the operative report detailing the surgical approach, the specific vertebra operated on, the type of osteotomy performed, any instrumentation used, and any complications encountered. Pre- and postoperative imaging studies are also crucial for demonstrating the spinal deformity and the results of the surgery.
** The information provided is current as of December 1, 2024, and may be subject to change. Always refer to the most current CPT coding guidelines and payer policies for accurate billing and reimbursement.
- Revenue Code: P3D
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC is not typically applicable to this code as it involves a surgical procedure, not a technical component of a service.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center