2025 CPT code 63091

Vertebral corpectomy, additional segment; lower thoracic, lumbar, or sacral.

Refer to the official CPT® guidelines for detailed coding instructions. Use this code only in addition to a primary vertebral corpectomy code (63081-63090) for each additional segment resected.

Modifier 62 may be used if two surgeons independently perform distinct portions of the surgery.Other modifiers may be necessary depending on specific circumstances.

The medical necessity for this procedure is determined by the clinical findings that indicate compromised spinal cord or nerve roots due to a vertebral segment requiring resection. Documentation should support the need for decompression and the removal of the additional segment(s).

The neurosurgeon or spine surgeon is clinically responsible for performing this procedure. This includes making the incision, resecting the vertebral segment, decompressing the spinal cord or nerve roots, and potentially performing additional procedures such as discectomy, bone grafting, and instrumentation.

IMPORTANT This code is used in conjunction with codes 63081-63090 for vertebral corpectomy.If arthrodesis (spinal fusion) follows, use codes 22548-22812. For spinal reconstruction, use appropriate codes from 63081-63091 (corpectomy), 20930-20938 (bone grafts), 22548-22812 (arthrodesis), and 22840-22855, 22859 (spinal instrumentation).

In simple words: This code describes removing extra parts of a lower back bone (vertebra) through a cut in the abdomen or side, and relieving pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.This is done after the main surgery to remove the damaged part of the bone, and is billed separately.

This CPT code, 63091, represents the surgical excision of an additional lower thoracic, lumbar, or sacral vertebral segment via a transperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach, accompanied by decompression of the spinal cord, cauda equina, or nerve roots.This procedure is reported in addition to the primary corpectomy code (63081-63090) and includes discectomy above and/or below the resected segment.The approach may be either transperitoneal (abdominal) or retroperitoneal (anterolateral).

Example 1: A patient presents with severe spinal stenosis at L4-L5, requiring a vertebral corpectomy.During the procedure, an additional segment of bone (L3) is found to be severely compromised and necessitates resection. Code 63091 would be used in addition to the primary corpectomy code for L4-L5., A patient with a large tumor impinging on the spinal cord at T12 requires a corpectomy with extensive decompression. The surgeon finds it necessary to remove an additional segment, T11. Code 63091 is used to bill for this additional segment., A patient with a complex fracture at L1 and L2 requiring a vertebral corpectomy and subsequent fusion has an additional segment, L3 removed due to the fracture instability. Code 63091 would be used in addition to other relevant codes, e.g., for bone graft and instrumentation, for this additional segment resection.

Detailed operative report specifying the number of segments resected, approach (transperitoneal or retroperitoneal), extent of decompression, and any additional procedures performed.Pre-operative imaging (e.g., MRI, CT scan) demonstrating the need for the procedure.Post-operative imaging to confirm the surgical outcome.

** This code is for the resection of each *additional* vertebral segment beyond the initial corpectomy.The total number of segments resected will dictate the number of times this code is reported.

  • Revenue Code: P1F (Major Procedure - Explor/Decompr/ExcisDisc)
  • RVU: The relative value units (RVUs) for this code will vary based on geographic location, facility type (inpatient vs. outpatient), and other factors.Consult the appropriate fee schedule for precise RVU values.
  • Global Days : The global period for this procedure is dependent on the overall surgical package and is not specified by the code itself.Refer to the specific payer's guidelines for the length of the global period.
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: This code does not have a technical component modifier associated with it.The entire service is bundled into this single code.
  • Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedule information is not provided. Consult a historical CPT fee schedule database for this information.
  • Specialties:Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center
** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.