2025 CPT code 22534
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System - Spine (Vertebral Column) Surgery Feed
Arthrodesis, lateral extracavitary technique, including minimal diskectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression); thoracic or lumbar, each additional vertebral segment (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Modifiers may be applicable depending on specific circumstances. Consult modifier guidelines.
Medical necessity must be established by demonstrating that conservative treatments have failed to relieve the patient's symptoms and that the spinal condition significantly impacts their quality of life. Supporting documentation, such as imaging studies and documentation of failed conservative treatment, should be provided.
The surgeon performs the arthrodesis by accessing the affected vertebrae through a lateral extracavitary approach. This technique involves making an incision on the patient's side to expose the spine, offering a wider surgical view. The procedure begins with careful removal of the degenerated disc material between the vertebrae.The surgeon prepares the bony surfaces of the vertebrae for fusion by removing cartilage from the endplates and decorticating the bone using a high-speed drill. A bone graft is then inserted between the prepared vertebral endplates to promote fusion. Throughout the procedure, the surgeon takes precautions to protect the spinal cord. Following graft placement, the surgical area is irrigated, bleeding is controlled, and the incision is closed.
In simple words: This procedure involves fusing together bones in the upper or lower back, through an incision on the side.It's done to treat back pain caused by problems like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or injuries. The code is for each additional vertebra fused beyond the first one, during the same surgery.
This code describes a surgical procedure where spinal fusion is performed using a lateral extracavitary approach.It includes a minimal discectomy to prepare the intervertebral space, and is used for each additional vertebral segment fused during the same procedure. This code does not include decompression and is reported in addition to the primary procedure code.
Example 1: A patient with degenerative disc disease at L4-L5 and L5-S1 undergoes a lateral extracavitary arthrodesis.The primary procedure code would be reported for the fusion at L4-L5, and 22534 would be reported additionally for the fusion at L5-S1., A patient has a thoracic fracture at T11 and T12 requiring fusion. The primary procedure code would be reported for T11, and 22534 would be reported for T12., A patient undergoes scoliosis surgery with lateral extracavitary arthrodesis from T10 to L1. The primary procedure would be reported for T10, and 22534 would be reported for each additional level fused (T11, T12, L1).
Operative report detailing the approach, levels fused, type of bone graft used, and any instrumentation. Preoperative and postoperative diagnoses. Imaging studies supporting the need for the procedure.
** It's important to note that bone grafting and spinal instrumentation are reported separately.Also, this code is specific to the lateral extracavitary approach. Different codes are used for other approaches.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Fee Schedule: Consult CMS fee schedules for historical payment information.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center