How To Use CPT Code 22585

CPT code 22585 describes the anterior interbody technique for arthrodesis, including minimal discectomy to prepare the interspace, for each additional interspace. 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 22585?

CPT 22585 is a code used to describe the anterior interbody technique for arthrodesis, which involves the fusion of two vertebrae to alleviate persistent pain caused by a herniated or bulging disk or other spinal conditions. This code specifically includes the minimal discectomy required to prepare the interspace for fusion. It is used for each additional interspace after the primary procedure has been performed on one or more vertebrae in the neck or back.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 22585 is: ‘Arthrodesis, anterior interbody technique, including minimal discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression) each additional interspace (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code should be used in conjunction with codes 22554, 22556, and 22558. It should not be reported with code 63075, even if performed by a separate individual. To report anterior cervical discectomy and interbody fusion at the same level during the same session, use code 22552.

3. Procedure

The procedure for CPT code 22585 involves the following steps:

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider identifies an additional target vertebra after performing anterior interbody arthrodesis on one or more vertebrae.
3. The provider removes the annulus and uses a curette to remove some of the disk material, creating space inside the interspace.
4. The provider drills the bony end plate and inserts bone graft into the empty disk space.
5. The provider irrigates the area, checks for bleeding, removes any instruments, and closes the incision.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 22585 is used for patients who require anterior interbody arthrodesis and have already undergone the primary procedure on one or more vertebrae. The procedure is performed to alleviate persistent pain caused by a herniated or bulging disk or other spinal conditions. It is important to note that this code should not be reported with code 63075, even if performed by a separate individual. Additionally, if anterior cervical discectomy and interbody fusion are performed at the same level during the same session, code 22552 should be used instead.

5. When to use CPT code 22585

CPT code 22585 should be used when the provider performs the anterior interbody technique for arthrodesis, including minimal discectomy to prepare the interspace, on each additional interspace after the primary procedure has been performed on one or more vertebrae. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed for the appropriate indications and that the documentation supports the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 22585, the provider must document the following information:

• The specific vertebrae on which the primary procedure was performed
• The additional target vertebra on which the procedure was performed
• The details of the minimal discectomy performed to prepare the interspace
• The insertion of bone graft into the empty disk space
• The date and duration of the procedure
• Any additional relevant details or complications

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 22585, it is important to ensure that the documentation supports the use of this code and that the procedure meets the qualifying circumstances. This code should not be reported with code 63075, even if performed by a separate individual. It is also important to note that anterior cervical discectomy and interbody fusion at the same level during the same session should be reported using code 22552.

8. Historical information

CPT code 22585 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. Similar codes to CPT 22585

Five similar codes to CPT 22585 include:

• CPT 22554: Arthrodesis, anterior interbody technique, including minimal discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression), each interspace
• CPT 22556: Arthrodesis, anterior interbody technique, including minimal discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression), each additional interspace (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
• CPT 22558: Arthrodesis, anterior interbody technique, including minimal discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression), each additional interspace (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
• CPT 22552: Anterior cervical discectomy and interbody fusion, each additional interspace
• CPT 63075: Anterior interbody technique, including minimal discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression), lumbar, each additional interspace (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes anterior interbody arthrodesis on two vertebrae in the neck, and then the provider performs the same procedure on an additional vertebra.
2. After performing anterior interbody arthrodesis on three vertebrae in the back, the provider performs the procedure on an additional vertebra.
3. The provider performs anterior interbody arthrodesis on one vertebra in the neck, and then performs the same procedure on two additional vertebrae.
4. After performing anterior interbody arthrodesis on two vertebrae in the back, the provider performs the procedure on three additional vertebrae.
5. A patient undergoes anterior interbody arthrodesis on one vertebra in the neck, and then the provider performs the same procedure on four additional vertebrae.