2025 CPT code 22633
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Spine Musculoskeletal System Feed
Arthrodesis of a single lumbar interspace using a combined posterior or posterolateral and posterior interbody technique, including laminectomy and/or discectomy to prepare the interspace (excluding decompression).
Modifiers 51 (multiple procedures) may be used when this code is used in conjunction with other procedures.Modifier 62 (two surgeons) can be used in accordance with the specific guidelines.Consult the current CPT guidelines.
The procedure is medically necessary to address symptomatic instability and/or chronic pain resulting from degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, trauma, or other spinal pathologies.Conservative treatment options should be documented and deemed insufficient before surgical intervention.
The orthopedic surgeon or spine surgeon is responsible for the surgical procedure, including incision, exposure, preparation of the interspace (laminectomy and/or discectomy), placement of bone graft (if applicable), fusion and closure. Anesthesiologist is responsible for anesthesia management.Other surgical team members may assist.
In simple words: This surgery permanently joins two bones in your lower back to stabilize the area and relieve pain. It involves multiple surgical approaches and may include removing some bone or disc material to help with the fusion process.Additional procedures, like bone grafting or using screws and plates, might be necessary and billed separately.
This CPT code, 22633, represents surgical arthrodesis (fusion) of a single lumbar vertebral interspace.The procedure involves a combined posterior or posterolateral approach and a posterior interbody technique.Laminectomy and/or discectomy are included to prepare the interspace for fusion, but decompression is not the primary objective.The code does not include separate reporting for bone grafting or instrumentation; these are reported using additional codes as needed.This procedure aims to achieve permanent fusion of the vertebrae, typically to address instability or pain.
Example 1: A 55-year-old patient with severe degenerative disc disease at L4-L5 presents with chronic lower back pain and instability. The surgeon performs a posterior lumbar interbody fusion with a combined posterior and posterolateral approach, including laminectomy to prepare the interspace. Bone graft is harvested from the iliac crest and placed into the interbody space.Internal fixation devices may be used., A 60-year-old patient with spondylolisthesis (slipping of one vertebra over another) at L5-S1 undergoes a posterior lumbar interbody fusion with a posterior and posterolateral approach, discectomy, and bone graft.The surgeon utilizes instrumentation (screws and rods)., A 40-year-old patient following a traumatic lumbar fracture requiring surgical stabilization undergoes this procedure to achieve fusion and enhance stability.The surgeon uses a combined posterior and posterolateral approach along with autograft bone.
** Always refer to the most current CPT coding guidelines and payer-specific rules for accurate coding and reimbursement.
- Revenue Code: P3D (MAJOR PROCEDURE, ORTHOPEDIC - OTHER)
- RVU: This information is not provided in the source and would require accessing a relevant fee schedule database.
- Global Days: The global period for this procedure is dependent on the specific circumstances and payer guidelines.Further research is needed to determine the exact duration.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: This information is not explicitly provided in the source. Consult current CPT guidelines and related documentation for specific modifier rules.
- Fee Schedule: This information requires access to historical fee schedules, which is beyond the scope of this response.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center