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2025 CPT code 63308

Add-on code for each additional vertebral segment resected during a vertebral corpectomy (partial or complete) for intraspinal lesion excision.

* This is an add-on code; it must be reported with a primary code (63300-63307) representing the first vertebral segment resected.* Report one unit of 63308 for each additional vertebral segment resected.* If two surgeons perform distinct parts of the procedure, modifier 62 should be appended to the appropriate codes.* Codes for spinal fusion and instrumentation are reported separately.

Modifiers 50, 51, 62, 78, 79, and others might be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the surgical procedure.

Medical necessity for a vertebral corpectomy is established by the presence of a significant intraspinal lesion causing compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to neurological deficits.The lesion must be demonstrably impacting the neurological function, necessitating surgical intervention to decompress the spinal elements.

The surgeon's responsibilities include making the incision, resecting the diseased vertebral body, removing the intervertebral discs above and below, inserting fixation devices (bolts), inserting bone graft material, closing the vertebral gap, and inserting a metal plate.

IMPORTANT:This code is always used in conjunction with codes 63300-63307.Other codes may be necessary depending on the approach and whether the dura mater is opened (intradural vs. extradural).

In simple words: This code is added to the main bill for each extra part of the backbone removed during surgery to take out a problem in the spinal cord.The doctor removes some or all of a backbone bone to fix the problem and this code accounts for extra work when more bones are removed.

This CPT code 63308 represents an add-on code for each additional vertebral segment resected during a vertebral corpectomy (partial or complete) to excise an intraspinal lesion.It is reported in addition to the primary code (63300-63307) for the first vertebral segment.The procedure involves partial or complete resection of the vertebral body to access and remove the lesion, relieving pressure on the spinal cord. This add-on code accounts for the additional work involved in each subsequent segment's resection.

Example 1: A patient presents with a large intramedullary tumor in the thoracic spine (T4-T6).The surgeon performs an anterior approach corpectomy, resecting T4, T5, and T6.Code 63305 (for the primary segment T4 resection) and two units of 63308 (for T5 and T6) are reported., A patient with cervical spondylosis and significant spinal cord compression at C5-C6 undergoes an anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion.Resection of C5 and C6 is performed. Code 63304 (for the primary segment C5) and one unit of 63308 (for C6) are reported.Additional codes for fusion would also be reported., A patient with a lumbar spinal stenosis at L3-L5 presents for surgery.The surgeon performs an anterior lumbar corpectomy at L4, requiring removal of L4 and partial removal of L3.Code 63307 (primary code for L4) and one unit of 63308 (for partial L3) would be reported.

* Operative report detailing the approach (anterior, posterior, lateral), number of segments resected, extent of resection (partial or complete),and any associated procedures (e.g., fusion, instrumentation).* Preoperative imaging (MRI, CT scan) demonstrating the lesion and its extent.* Pathology report confirming the diagnosis of the excised lesion.* Postoperative imaging to confirm surgical outcome.

** The definition of "partial" corpectomy varies by spinal level (at least one-half of vertebral body in cervical, at least one-third in thoracic and lumbar).Precise documentation is crucial for accurate coding.

** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.

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