2025 CPT code 22632
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Arthrodesis Musculoskeletal System Feed
Arthrodesis, posterior interbody technique, including laminectomy and/or discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression), each additional interspace in lumbar spine.
Modifier 51 (multiple procedures) may be appended if other procedures are performed during the same session. Modifier 62 (two surgeons) is not applicable to this add-on code.
Medical necessity for 22632 is established by the presence of a spinal condition that requires fusion, such as degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, trauma, or tumors.Documentation must support the need for fusion and the selection of the posterior interbody approach.
The surgeon performs the posterior interbody fusion, including laminectomy and/or discectomy to prepare the interspace for fusion.This involves accessing the vertebrae, removing bone and disc material, inserting bone graft, and closing the incision.
- Musculoskeletal System
- Musculoskeletal System > Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System > Arthrodesis
In simple words: This code describes a surgery to fuse two or more vertebrae (bones in your spine) in your lower back.The surgeon removes some bone and disc material to make the fusion easier, then joins the vertebrae together with a bone graft.This is done for additional vertebrae after the initial fusion in the same surgical session.
This CPT code reports an arthrodesis, or spinal fusion, using the posterior interbody technique.It includes laminectomy and/or discectomy to prepare the interspace, but excludes decompression performed solely to prepare for fusion. This code is for each additional interspace fused in the lumbar spine, and it must be reported in addition to the code for the primary procedure (single interspace fusion).
Example 1: A patient with degenerative disc disease at L4-L5 undergoes a posterior interbody fusion at L4-L5 (22612) and an additional fusion at L5-S1 (22632) during the same surgical session., A patient with a spinal fracture at L3-L4 requires a posterior interbody fusion (22612) at L3-L4 and additional fusion at L4-L5 (22632) to stabilize the spine., A patient with spondylolisthesis (forward slippage of one vertebra over another) requires a posterior interbody fusion at L4-L5 (22612) and additional fusion at L5-S1 (22632).
* Preoperative diagnosis and imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans) demonstrating the need for spinal fusion.* Operative report detailing the surgical technique, including the number of interspaces fused.* Anesthesia record.* Pathology report if a biopsy was performed.* Postoperative imaging to confirm the fusion.
** This code is an add-on code, meaning it is reported in addition to the primary procedure code (e.g., 22612 for a single-level posterior interbody fusion).It is used when additional levels are fused in the same surgical session.The number of interspaces fused dictates the number of 22632 codes to report.Always confirm payer specific guidelines as well.
- Revenue Code: P3D (MAJOR PROCEDURE, ORTHOPEDIC - OTHER)
- RVU: This information requires access to specific payer fee schedules and may vary based on location and other factors.Consult the appropriate fee schedule for RVU values.
- Global Days: The global period for spinal fusion procedures varies by payer. Consult the specific payer's guidelines.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.This is an add-on code, and there is no technical component.
- Fee Schedule: Fee schedules vary by payer and location.Access current payer fee schedules for accurate information. Historical fee data requires access to historical fee schedules.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center