How To Use CPT Code 22100

CPT 22100 describes the partial excision of the posterior vertebral component, such as the spinous process, lamina, or facet, for an intrinsic bony lesion in a single vertebral segment of the cervical spine. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 22100?

CPT 22100 is a code used to describe the partial excision of the posterior vertebral component, specifically the spinous process, lamina, or facet, for the treatment of an intrinsic bony lesion in a single vertebral segment of the cervical spine. This procedure involves the removal of a diseased area within the bone to alleviate symptoms and improve the patient’s condition.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 22100 is: ‘Partial excision of posterior vertebral component (eg, spinous process, lamina or facet) for intrinsic bony lesion, single vertebral segment cervical.’

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT 22100 involves the following steps:

1. The provider makes an incision over the diseased bone in the neck.
2. He dissects down to the surface of the bone.
3. The muscles from both sides of the spinous process and lamina are stripped.
4. The provider then excises the diseased portion of the bone using surgical instruments.
5. The wound is irrigated and the incision is closed in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 22100 is performed on patients who have an intrinsic bony lesion in a single vertebral segment of the cervical spine. This procedure is specifically for the partial excision of the posterior vertebral component, such as the spinous process, lamina, or facet. It is important to note that CPT 22100 should only be reported for the removal of the posterior component and not the entire body of the vertebra.

5. When to use CPT code 22100

CPT code 22100 should be used when a provider performs a partial excision of the posterior vertebral component, such as the spinous process, lamina, or facet, for an intrinsic bony lesion in a single vertebral segment of the cervical spine. It is important to ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the specific description of CPT 22100 to accurately report the service.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 22100, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the presence of an intrinsic bony lesion in a single vertebral segment of the cervical spine
• Specific posterior vertebral component excised (spinous process, lamina, or facet)
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the incision, dissection, excision, irrigation, and closure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 22100, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the specific description of the code. CPT 22100 should only be reported for the partial excision of the posterior vertebral component, such as the spinous process, lamina, or facet, in a single vertebral segment of the cervical spine. It should not be reported for the removal of the entire body of the vertebra.

8. Historical information

CPT 22100 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with a bony lesion in a single vertebral segment of the cervical spine. The provider performs a partial excision of the spinous process to remove the diseased area.
2. During a surgical procedure, the provider identifies an intrinsic bony lesion in a single vertebral segment of the cervical spine. He performs a partial excision of the lamina to address the condition.
3. A patient with a bony lesion in a single vertebral segment of the cervical spine undergoes surgery. The provider performs a partial excision of the facet to treat the condition.
4. Following a diagnostic evaluation, the provider diagnoses an intrinsic bony lesion in a single vertebral segment of the cervical spine. He performs a partial excision of the spinous process to alleviate the patient’s symptoms.
5. A patient with a bony lesion in a single vertebral segment of the cervical spine undergoes surgery. The provider performs a partial excision of the lamina to remove the diseased area.
6. During a surgical procedure, the provider identifies an intrinsic bony lesion in a single vertebral segment of the cervical spine. He performs a partial excision of the facet to address the condition.
7. A patient presents with a bony lesion in a single vertebral segment of the cervical spine. The provider performs a partial excision of the spinous process to treat the condition.