How To Use CPT Code 63017

CPT 63017 describes the procedure of laminectomy with exploration and/or decompression of the spinal cord and/or cauda equina, without facetectomy, foraminotomy, or discectomy, specifically targeting more than two lumbar vertebral segments. This article will cover the official description, procedure details, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 63017?

CPT 63017 is a code used to describe a specific surgical procedure known as laminectomy. This procedure involves the removal of the spinous process and one or both laminae of the vertebrae in the lumbar region, without the additional steps of facetectomy, foraminotomy, or discectomy. It is performed to explore and/or decompress the spinal cord and/or cauda equina, targeting more than two lumbar vertebral segments.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 63017 is: ‘Laminectomy with exploration and/or decompression of spinal cord and/or cauda equina, without facetectomy, foraminotomy or discectomy (eg, spinal stenosis), more than 2 vertebral segments; lumbar.’

3. Procedure

1. During a laminectomy, the surgeon removes the spinous process and one or both laminae of the vertebrae in the lumbar region.
2. This procedure aims to explore and/or decompress the spinal cord and/or cauda equina.
3. It is typically performed on more than two lumbar vertebral segments, depending on the patient’s condition.
4. The surgeon focuses on the individual vertebrae and the nerve roots emanating through the foramen on either side of the vertebrae.
5. The procedure does not involve facetectomy (removal of the facet joint), foraminotomy (widening of the neural foramen), or discectomy (removal of the intervertebral disc).

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 63017 is used for patients who require exploration and/or decompression of the spinal cord and/or cauda equina in the lumbar region. It is typically performed for conditions such as spinal stenosis. The procedure is performed by a surgeon and targets more than two lumbar vertebral segments. It does not involve facetectomy, foraminotomy, or discectomy.

5. When to use CPT code 63017

CPT code 63017 should be used when a laminectomy procedure is performed to explore and/or decompress the spinal cord and/or cauda equina in the lumbar region, targeting more than two vertebral segments. It should not be used if additional steps such as facetectomy, foraminotomy, or discectomy are performed.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 63017, the following documentation is required:

• Documentation of the patient’s condition necessitating the laminectomy procedure
• Details of the specific vertebral segments targeted during the procedure
• Operative notes describing the steps taken during the laminectomy, including the removal of the spinous process and one or both laminae
• Documentation of any exploration and/or decompression of the spinal cord and/or cauda equina
• Any additional relevant information or findings during the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 63017, ensure that the procedure performed meets the criteria outlined in the official description. It is important to accurately document the specific vertebral segments targeted during the laminectomy. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid billing for additional procedures such as facetectomy, foraminotomy, or discectomy when using CPT 63017.

8. Historical information

CPT 63017 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. Since its addition, there have been a few changes to the code’s description, including updates in 2007 and 2008.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a laminectomy procedure targeting three lumbar vertebral segments to explore and decompress the spinal cord and cauda equina.
2. A surgeon performs a laminectomy on four lumbar vertebral segments to decompress the spinal cord and cauda equina without additional procedures.
3. During a laminectomy, the surgeon removes the spinous process and one or both laminae from five lumbar vertebral segments to explore and decompress the spinal cord and cauda equina.
4. A patient with spinal stenosis undergoes a laminectomy procedure targeting six lumbar vertebral segments to decompress the spinal cord and cauda equina.
5. A surgeon performs a laminectomy on seven lumbar vertebral segments to explore and decompress the spinal cord and cauda equina without additional procedures.
6. During a laminectomy, the surgeon removes the spinous process and one or both laminae from eight lumbar vertebral segments to decompress the spinal cord and cauda equina.