2025 CPT code 22856
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Spinal Instrumentation Procedures on the Spine (Vertebral Column) Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System Feed
Total disc arthroplasty (artificial disc), anterior approach, including discectomy with endplate preparation (includes osteophytectomy for nerve root or spinal cord decompression and microdissection); single interspace, cervical.
Modifiers 51 (multiple procedures) and 62 (two surgeons) may be applicable depending on the circumstances.
Medical necessity is established by documenting the presence of significant neck pain and neurological symptoms (radiculopathy) caused by degenerative disc disease or trauma, refractory to conservative management.The procedure must be deemed appropriate for the patient's condition and age. Imaging must support the diagnosis.
The surgeon performs an anterior neck incision, dissects through tissue to expose the prevertebral space, removes the damaged disc and bone spurs using microsurgical techniques, prepares the disc space, and implants the artificial disc.Hemostasis and wound closure are included.
- Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System
- Spinal Instrumentation Procedures on the Spine (Vertebral Column)
In simple words: The doctor replaces a damaged disc in your neck with an artificial one. They remove the old disc and any bone spurs causing pressure on nerves, improving neck pain and function.
This procedure involves the anterior approach replacement of a single cervical intervertebral disc with an artificial disc.It includes discectomy, endplate preparation, osteophytectomy for nerve root or spinal cord decompression, and microdissection.The procedure is performed to treat conditions such as degenerative disc disease, disc disruption, internal disc derangement, and symptomatic disc desiccation.
Example 1: A 50-year-old patient presents with chronic neck pain and radiculopathy due to degenerative disc disease at C5-C6.Total disc arthroplasty (22856) is performed to replace the damaged disc., A 45-year-old patient experiences severe neck pain following a motor vehicle accident with disc disruption at C4-C5.Total disc arthroplasty (22856) is performed to alleviate pain and restore spinal stability., A 60-year-old patient has symptomatic disc desiccation at C6-C7 causing significant neck pain and limited range of motion.Total disc arthroplasty (22856) is performed, addressing the desiccated disc and associated osteophytes.
Preoperative imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scans) demonstrating degenerative disc disease or other indications. Operative report detailing the procedure performed, including disc removal, bone spur removal, and artificial disc implantation.Postoperative imaging confirming correct placement of the artificial disc.Patient history and physical examination findings demonstrating symptoms consistent with the diagnosis.
** Code 22858 should be reported separately in addition to 22856 when a second cervical interspace is treated during the same procedure.
- Revenue Code: P3D (MAJOR PROCEDURE, ORTHOPEDIC - OTHER)
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Office-based surgery center