How To Use CPT Code 63050

CPT 63050 describes a specific surgical procedure known as cervical laminoplasty with decompression of the spinal cord. This article will provide an overview of the code, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of when CPT 63050 may be used.

1. What is CPT Code 63050?

CPT 63050 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure called cervical laminoplasty with decompression of the spinal cord. This procedure involves making an incision in the back of the neck, creating a groove in one side of the cervical vertebrae, cutting through the other side of the vertebrae, and removing the tips of the vertebrae. The back of each vertebrae is then opened to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve root. Small wedges made from bone are placed in the open space to maintain the decompression.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 63050 is: ‘Laminoplasty, cervical, with decompression of the spinal cord, 2 or more vertebral segments.’

3. Procedure

1. Under anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision into the skin at the back of the neck.
2. A groove is created in one side of the cervical vertebrae.
3. The other side of the vertebrae is cut all the way through.
4. The tips of the vertebrae are removed.
5. The back of each vertebrae is opened to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve root.
6. Small wedges made from bone are placed in the open space to maintain the decompression.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 63050 is used when a cervical laminoplasty with decompression of the spinal cord is performed on two or more vertebral segments. This procedure is typically done to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots caused by conditions such as spinal stenosis or herniated discs. It is important to note that the procedure must be performed by a qualified healthcare professional.

5. When to use CPT code 63050

CPT code 63050 should be used when a cervical laminoplasty with decompression of the spinal cord is performed on two or more vertebral segments. It is important to accurately document the number of vertebral segments involved in the procedure to ensure proper coding and billing.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 63050, the following documentation is typically required:

• Documentation of the patient’s condition necessitating the cervical laminoplasty with decompression of the spinal cord
• Documentation of the number of vertebral segments involved in the procedure
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the surgical technique used
• Any additional procedures performed during the same surgical session
• Signature of the performing healthcare professional

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 63050, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. Additionally, it is important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by insurance carriers or payers. It is also important to accurately document the procedure and any additional services provided during the same surgical session.

8. Historical information

CPT code 63050 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2005. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition. However, it is important to stay updated with any changes or revisions to the code in order to ensure accurate coding and billing.

9. Examples

1. A patient with spinal stenosis undergoes a cervical laminoplasty with decompression of the spinal cord involving three vertebral segments.
2. A patient with a herniated disc undergoes a cervical laminoplasty with decompression of the spinal cord involving four vertebral segments.
3. A patient with degenerative disc disease undergoes a cervical laminoplasty with decompression of the spinal cord involving five vertebral segments.
4. A patient with a spinal cord tumor undergoes a cervical laminoplasty with decompression of the spinal cord involving six vertebral segments.
5. A patient with a spinal cord injury undergoes a cervical laminoplasty with decompression of the spinal cord involving seven vertebral segments.