2025 CPT code 63304
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Nervous System Feed
Vertebral corpectomy (vertebral body resection), partial or complete, for excision of intraspinal lesion, single segment; intradural, cervical.
Modifiers such as 22 (Increased Procedural Services), 51 (Multiple Procedures), 62 (Two Surgeons), and others may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the procedure.Refer to current CPT modifier guidelines for appropriate use.
Medical necessity for 63304 is established by demonstrating that the intradural lesion is causing significant neurological compromise and requires surgical intervention for decompression and excision.This may be supported by imaging studies, neurological examination findings, and documentation of failed conservative treatment.
The surgeon is responsible for performing the corpectomy, removing the lesion, and ensuring spinal stability. This includes pre-operative planning, the surgical procedure itself, and post-operative care.
In simple words: This procedure removes part or all of a neck vertebra to access and remove a growth or other abnormality located inside the protective covering of the spinal cord.The surgery is done through the front of the neck.
This code describes a surgical procedure where a portion or all of a cervical vertebra's body is removed to access and excise an intraspinal lesion.The procedure involves accessing the spine through an anterior approach, and the lesion is located within the dura mater (intradural). It is performed on a single vertebral segment.
Example 1: A patient presents with cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy due to a large intradural tumor at the C5 level. A 63304 is performed to remove the tumor., A patient with an intradural abscess at C6 causing spinal cord compression undergoes a 63304 for drainage and decompression., Following a cervical fracture with an associated intradural hematoma at C4, a 63304 is performed for decompression and stabilization.
Documentation should include the operative report detailing the approach, extent of corpectomy, lesion characteristics, method of stabilization, and any complications. Pre- and post-operative imaging studies should also be included, along with documentation supporting the medical necessity of the procedure.
** For vertebral corpectomy, "partial" describes removal of a substantial portion of the vertebral body (at least one-half in the cervical spine). Additional codes may be necessary for arthrodesis (22548-22585) or reconstruction of the spine (20930-20938). Application of caliper or tongs uses code 20660, and treatment of fracture or dislocation of the spine uses codes 22310-22327.
- Revenue Code: P1G
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center