2025 CPT code 22610
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Musculoskeletal System Feed
Arthrodesis, posterior or posterolateral technique, single level; thoracic (with lateral transverse technique, when performed).
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances.Common modifiers include 22 (increased procedural services), 51 (multiple procedures), 59 (distinct procedural service), and 62 (two surgeons).
Medical necessity must be established for spinal fusion. This typically involves documentation of failed conservative treatment, persistent pain, functional limitations, and imaging evidence of the spinal condition necessitating fusion.
The surgeon performs the arthrodesis.Responsibilities include patient preparation, anesthesia, incision, muscle dissection, decortication, bone graft application, potential placement of metal implants, wound closure, and application of any post-operative bracing or immobilization.
In simple words: This procedure fuses together two bones in your upper back to reduce pain and improve stability. The surgeon accesses the spine from the back, prepares the bones, adds bone graft material (which may be taken from elsewhere in your body), and may use metal implants for added support.The goal is for new bone to grow between the two vertebrae, making them one solid piece.
This code represents a posterior or posterolateral arthrodesis of a single thoracic vertebral segment. It includes the lateral transverse technique when performed. The procedure involves surgically fusing two vertebrae in the thoracic spine to restrict movement and alleviate pain caused by conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or spinal injuries.It includes the necessary preparation of the bony surfaces, application of bone graft material, and any associated decortication.Metal implants may be used, but their reporting may depend on payer-specific guidelines.
Example 1: A patient with a herniated disc at T6-T7 causing chronic pain undergoes a posterior arthrodesis at this level using autologous bone graft., A patient with spinal stenosis at T4-T5 has a posterolateral arthrodesis with the lateral transverse technique, along with placement of pedicle screws., Following a thoracic vertebral fracture at T8-T9, a patient undergoes a posterior arthrodesis with morselized allograft.
Documentation should include details of the diagnosis, medical necessity for the procedure, operative report with specifics on the surgical approach, type of bone graft, use of instrumentation (if any), and post-operative care plan.
** As of December 1st, 2024, this information is current.Always verify coding guidelines with the latest CPT manual and payer-specific policies before submitting claims.For specific coding scenarios or further details, consulting official resources and coding professionals is recommended.
- Revenue Code: P3D - Major Procedure, Orthopedic - Other
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center