How To Use CPT Code 63173

CPT 63173 describes the procedure of laminectomy with drainage of intramedullary cyst/syrinx to the peritoneal or pleural space. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 63173?

CPT 63173 can be used to describe a surgical procedure in which the provider removes the lamina portion of a vertebra to drain a spinal cyst or syrinx into the space between the membranes lining the abdomen or chest. This code is specifically used when the drainage is performed to the peritoneal or pleural space.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 63173 is: ‘Laminectomy with drainage of intramedullary cyst/syrinx; to peritoneal or pleural space.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient for the procedure and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made near the spinal cyst or syrinx.
3. The muscles near the spine are retracted, and a laminectomy is performed to remove the lamina, which is the posterior arch of a vertebra.
4. A spinal needle is inserted into the cyst, allowing drainage to the peritoneal space between the membranes lining the abdomen or the pleural space between the membranes lining the lungs and chest cavity.
5. The wound is closed in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 63173 is performed on patients who have an intramedullary cyst or syrinx that requires drainage. The procedure is specifically done to drain the cyst or syrinx into the peritoneal or pleural space. The patient must meet the criteria for undergoing surgery and be an appropriate candidate for the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 63173

CPT code 63173 should be used when a laminectomy is performed to remove the lamina and drain an intramedullary cyst or syrinx into the peritoneal or pleural space. This code is not appropriate for procedures involving drainage to other spaces or for different types of laminectomy procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 63173, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the laminectomy with drainage procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the specific location of the cyst or syrinx
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Details of the drainage, including the space (peritoneal or pleural) and any specific techniques used
• Wound closure details
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 63173, ensure that the procedure performed matches the description of the code. The provider should document the specific space (peritoneal or pleural) into which the cyst or syrinx was drained. It is important to follow any additional guidelines or requirements set by the payer or coding guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT 63173 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. However, it is important to stay updated with any changes in coding guidelines or payer requirements.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a laminectomy with drainage of an intramedullary cyst to the peritoneal space.
2. A provider performs a laminectomy with drainage of a syrinx to the pleural space.
3. A surgical team performs a laminectomy with drainage of an intramedullary cyst to the peritoneal space in a patient with a spinal cord injury.
4. A patient with a history of spinal abnormalities undergoes a laminectomy with drainage of an intramedullary cyst to the pleural space.
5. A provider performs a laminectomy with drainage of an intramedullary cyst to the peritoneal space in a patient with a congenital spinal condition.
6. A surgical team performs a laminectomy with drainage of a syrinx to the pleural space in a patient with a spinal cord tumor.
7. A patient undergoes a laminectomy with drainage of an intramedullary cyst to the peritoneal space as part of a treatment plan for a spinal infection.
8. A provider performs a laminectomy with drainage of a syrinx to the pleural space in a patient with a history of spinal trauma.
9. A surgical team performs a laminectomy with drainage of an intramedullary cyst to the peritoneal space in a patient with a degenerative spinal condition.
10. A patient with a spinal abnormality undergoes a laminectomy with drainage of an intramedullary cyst to the pleural space to relieve symptoms and improve function.