2025 CPT code 22551
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Spine Surgery Musculoskeletal System Feed
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for a single cervical interspace below C2.
Modifiers 51, 62, 76, and 54 may be applicable depending on the specific clinical scenario.Modifier 51 is used for multiple procedures.Modifier 62 is used when two surgeons are involved. Modifier 76 is used for repeat procedures. Modifier 54 is used for surgical care only.
Medical necessity for 22551 is established by documentation of significant neck pain, radiculopathy, or myelopathy related to degenerative disc disease, trauma, or other spinal pathology.Failure of conservative treatment is usually required.
The surgeon is responsible for all aspects of the procedure, including pre-operative planning, incision, disc removal, decompression, bone graft placement, and closure. Anesthesiologist, surgical assistant and other surgical team members may also be involved.
- Musculoskeletal System
- 22551 is part of the larger category of anterior cervical spine procedures.It's grouped with other ACDF codes, and additional codes are used for multiple levels.
In simple words: This surgery removes a damaged cervical disc from the front of the neck to relieve neck and arm pain.The vertebrae are then fused together to stabilize the spine.
Anterior interbody arthrodesis of a single cervical interspace below C2, encompassing disc space preparation, discectomy, osteophytectomy, and decompression of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots.The procedure involves an anterior approach to the cervical spine, removal of the intervertebral disc, resection of bone spurs (osteophytes), and decompression of any compressed neural structures.Bone graft material is then inserted to achieve spinal fusion (arthrodesis).
Example 1: A 55-year-old patient presents with chronic neck pain radiating down the right arm (radiculopathy) due to degenerative disc disease at C5-C6.MRI shows significant disc herniation and osteophyte formation.22551 is used to describe the ACDF performed., A 60-year-old patient with cervical spondylosis and significant spinal cord compression at C4-C5 undergoes an ACDF. Code 22551 is used, and the surgical report should include specifics of the cord decompression achieved., A 48-year-old patient experiences acute neck pain and neurological deficits after a motor vehicle accident.Imaging shows a fracture-dislocation at C6-C7 with severe spinal canal stenosis. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is performed, using code 22551 for the arthrodesis. Other procedures codes may also be appropriate.
Pre-operative imaging (MRI, CT), operative report detailing disc removal, decompression, bone graft type and placement, and post-operative neurological assessment.Complete anesthesia record and patient history are essential.
** Accurate coding requires detailed documentation of the surgical procedure, including the specific levels involved, type of bone graft used, and any additional procedures performed.Always refer to the most current CPT codebook and payer guidelines for accurate reimbursement.
- RVU: RVUs vary depending on geographic location, facility type, and other factors.Consult your local Medicare fee schedule or private payer's fee schedule for the most up-to-date RVU values.
- Global Days: The global period for this procedure is typically 90 days, encompassing pre-operative, intraoperative and post-operative care.Specific global days may vary depending on payer and other factors.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A Technical Component (TC) modifier is not typically applicable to this code. The code encompasses the entire procedure.
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedule data is not provided here. Refer to your local Medicare fee schedule or private payer's fee schedule for historic values.Note that these values may significantly vary by year and location.
- Specialties:Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center