2025 CPT code 63017
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Spinal Procedures Surgery Feed
Laminectomy with exploration and/or decompression of the spinal cord and/or cauda equina, excluding facetectomy, foraminotomy, or discectomy, involving more than two lumbar vertebral segments.
Modifiers 51 (multiple procedures), 59 (distinct procedural service), and others may apply depending on the specific circumstances of the case and other procedures performed during the same surgical session.
Medical necessity for a laminectomy (63017) is established when conservative treatment options (e.g., physical therapy, medication) have failed to provide adequate relief for symptoms of significant lumbar spinal stenosis causing neurological compromise.The procedure must be deemed medically necessary to improve patient function and quality of life.
The neurosurgeon or spine surgeon is primarily responsible for this procedure.This includes pre-operative evaluation, surgical planning, performing the laminectomy, and post-operative care and follow-up.
In simple words: This surgery involves removing parts of the bones in the lower back (lumbar spine) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.It targets more than two vertebrae and doesn't include removal of other specific bony structures. This helps reduce pain and improve nerve function.
This CPT code, 63017, represents a laminectomy procedure involving the removal of more than two lumbar vertebral laminae to decompress the spinal cord and/or cauda equina.The procedure specifically excludes facetectomies, foraminotomies, and discectomies.The surgical approach entails removing the spinous process and one or both laminae of multiple lumbar vertebrae to alleviate pressure on the neural structures. The extent of the procedure depends on the patient's specific condition and the number of vertebrae affected.
Example 1: A 60-year-old female presents with severe lumbar spinal stenosis impacting multiple vertebral levels (L3-L5), causing significant leg pain and weakness.A laminectomy (63017) is performed to relieve pressure on the nerve roots., A 45-year-old male experiences chronic lower back pain and neurogenic claudication due to multi-level lumbar stenosis (L2-L4).A laminectomy (63017) is chosen to decompress the spinal cord and alleviate his symptoms., A 72-year-old patient with severe lumbar spinal stenosis affecting L1-L5 undergoes a laminectomy (63017) to address symptoms of progressive weakness and paresthesia in both legs.
* Detailed history and physical examination documenting symptoms and neurological findings.* Pre-operative imaging studies (MRI, CT) demonstrating spinal stenosis involving multiple lumbar segments.* Operative report detailing the number of vertebral segments involved, specific surgical techniques used, and extent of decompression achieved.* Post-operative neurological assessment documenting improvement in symptoms.
** This code should only be reported when a laminectomy is performed for spinal stenosis affecting more than two lumbar vertebral segments without additional procedures like facetectomies, foraminotomies, or discectomies.If these additional procedures are performed, appropriate additional codes should be used.
- Revenue Code: P1F (Major Procedure - Explor/Decompr/ExcisDisc)
- RVU: The RVUs for this code vary based on geographic location and other factors.Consult the CMS website for the most up-to-date relative value units and payment rates.
- Global Days: The global period for this procedure will vary depending on payer and specific circumstances of the surgery.Confirm with the relevant payer for specifics.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A Technical Component (TC) modifier does not apply to this code; it is a complete procedure code.
- Fee Schedule: Fee schedules vary by payer and geographic location.Information on historical fee schedules can be found through payer-specific databases or historical fee schedule references.
- Specialties:Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center