How To Use CPT Code 22112

CPT 22112 describes the partial excision of a vertebral body for an intrinsic bony lesion without decompression of the spinal cord or nerve root(s) in a single vertebral segment thoracic. 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 22112?

CPT 22112 is a code used to describe the partial excision of a vertebral body for an intrinsic bony lesion without decompression of the spinal cord or nerve root(s) in a single vertebral segment thoracic. This procedure involves removing a damaged or diseased area contained within a single bone in the upper back.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 22112 is: ‘Partial excision of vertebral body, for intrinsic bony lesion, without decompression of spinal cord or nerve root(s), single vertebral segment thoracic.’

3. Procedure

During the procedure for CPT 22112, the healthcare provider begins by making an incision in the upper back over the target vertebra. They then dissect down to the surface of the bone and strip the muscles from the vertebral body. The damaged or diseased portion of the vertebral body is then excised. The wound is irrigated, and the incision is closed in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 22112 is performed on patients who have an intrinsic bony lesion within a single vertebral segment thoracic. This procedure does not involve decompression of the spinal cord or nerve root(s). It is important to note that if spinal decompression is performed, a different code should be used.

5. When to use CPT code 22112

CPT code 22112 should be used when a partial excision of a vertebral body is performed for an intrinsic bony lesion without decompression of the spinal cord or nerve root(s) in a single vertebral segment thoracic. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 22112, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the presence of an intrinsic bony lesion
• Specific vertebral segment thoracic targeted for the excision
• 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 healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 22112, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. This code should not be reported if spinal decompression is performed. It is also important to follow any additional guidelines provided by payers or coding authorities.

8. Historical information

CPT 22112 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. It was initially removed from the Inpatient Only (IPO) list in 2017 but was later added back to the list in 2022.

9. Similar codes to CPT 22112

There are several similar codes to CPT 22112 that describe different procedures involving the excision of vertebral bodies or decompression of the spinal cord or nerve root(s). These codes include:

• CPT 22110: Partial excision of vertebral body, for intrinsic bony lesion, without decompression of spinal cord or nerve root(s), cervical
• CPT 22114: Partial excision of vertebral body, for intrinsic bony lesion, without decompression of spinal cord or nerve root(s), lumbar
• CPT 63085: Vertebral corpectomy, vertebral body resection, partial or complete, transthoracic approach with decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve roots, thoracic, single segment
• CPT 63086: Vertebral corpectomy, vertebral body resection, partial or complete, transthoracic approach with decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve roots, thoracic, each additional segment
• CPT 63087: Vertebral corpectomy, vertebral body resection, partial or complete, transthoracic approach with decompression of spinal cord and/or nerve roots, thoracic, 1 vertebral segment

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a partial excision of a vertebral body in the thoracic region to remove an intrinsic bony lesion without decompression of the spinal cord or nerve root(s).
2. A healthcare provider performs a partial excision of a vertebral body in the thoracic region for an intrinsic bony lesion without decompression of the spinal cord or nerve root(s) in a single vertebral segment thoracic.
3. During a surgical procedure, a damaged area within a single vertebral segment thoracic is excised without decompression of the spinal cord or nerve root(s).
4. A patient with an intrinsic bony lesion in the thoracic region undergoes a partial excision of a vertebral body without decompression of the spinal cord or nerve root(s).
5. A healthcare provider performs a procedure to remove a diseased area contained within a single vertebral segment thoracic without decompression of the spinal cord or nerve root(s).
6. During a surgical intervention, a damaged portion of a vertebral body in the thoracic region is excised without decompression of the spinal cord or nerve root(s).
7. A patient undergoes a partial excision of a vertebral body in the thoracic region to address an intrinsic bony lesion without decompression of the spinal cord or nerve root(s).
8. A healthcare provider performs a procedure to remove a specific area within a single vertebral segment thoracic without decompression of the spinal cord or nerve root(s).
9. During a surgical intervention, a damaged portion of a vertebral body in the thoracic region is excised without decompression of the spinal cord or nerve root(s).
10. A patient with an intrinsic bony lesion in the thoracic region undergoes a partial excision of a vertebral body without decompression of the spinal cord or nerve root(s).