2025 CPT code 22327
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Fracture and/or Dislocation Treatment Musculoskeletal System Feed
Open treatment and/or reduction of vertebral fracture(s) and/or dislocation(s), posterior approach, one fractured vertebra or dislocated segment; thoracic.
Modifiers 51 (multiple procedures), 59 (distinct procedural service), 62 (two surgeons), and 76 (repeat procedure) may be applicable depending on the circumstances.
Medical necessity for this procedure is established based on the presence of a displaced or unstable vertebral fracture or dislocation causing pain, neurological compromise, or spinal instability.The specific documentation required might vary per payer.
The physician or other qualified healthcare professional is responsible for the entire surgical procedure, including incision, dissection, fracture reduction or dislocation realignment, possible instrumentation, irrigation, hemostasis, and wound closure.
In simple words: The doctor performs surgery to fix a broken or dislocated bone in the upper back (thoracic spine). This involves an incision to realign the bone.Extra devices might be used to hold the bone in place, and those are billed separately.
This CPT code describes the open treatment and/or reduction of one fractured vertebra or dislocated segment in the thoracic spine, approached posteriorly.The procedure involves a surgical incision to expose the affected vertebra, followed by realignment of the fractured or dislocated bone.Spinal instrumentation may be included but is reported separately.The code includes the application and removal of the first cast, splint, or traction device.
Example 1: A patient presents after a fall with a posterior dislocation of the T6 vertebra.Open reduction and internal fixation with pedicle screws are performed., A patient sustains a burst fracture of T12 in a motor vehicle accident.An open approach is used to achieve reduction and stabilization with posterior spinal instrumentation., A patient with osteoporosis experiences a compression fracture of T8.An open reduction and posterior spinal fusion are performed.Bone graft is harvested from the iliac crest (coded separately).
Detailed operative report including approach, specific vertebrae involved, type of fracture or dislocation, instrumentation used (if any), bone graft (if any), and imaging studies (pre-op and post-op).
** Always cross-reference with the most recent CPT codebook and payer guidelines before submitting claims.Understanding the nuances of this code, including the use of modifiers and potential add-on codes, is crucial for accurate billing.
- Revenue Code: P3D (MAJOR PROCEDURE, ORTHOPEDIC - OTHER)
- RVU: The RVUs for this code vary based on geographic location and other factors.Consult a relevant fee schedule for accurate values.
- Global Days: The global period for this surgery would need to be determined based on the specific circumstances and the payer's guidelines.It is likely to be a substantial period, potentially encompassing several weeks or months of post-operative care.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier is not typically applicable to this code.
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedules vary greatly depending on location, payer, and year. Consult historical fee schedules for relevant years and locations for specific data.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center