How To Use CPT Code 63267

CPT 63267 describes the procedure for the excision or evacuation of an intraspinal lesion in the lumbar region using a laminectomy technique. 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 63267?

CPT 63267 is used to describe the surgical procedure performed to remove or evacuate an intraspinal lesion in the lumbar region. This procedure involves a laminectomy, which allows the provider to access the site of the lesion and remove it.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 63267 is: ‘Laminectomy for excision or evacuation of intraspinal lesion other than neoplasm, extradural; lumbar.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by preparing and anesthetizing the patient, who is positioned face down.
2. An incision is made in the middle of the lower back, directly over the location of the lumbar lesion.
3. The provider then dissects through the underlying tissue to gain access to the spinal cord.
4. The soft tissues and adjacent muscles are retracted to expose the lamina, a portion of the lumbar vertebra.
5. The provider identifies the abnormal growth on the dura, the outermost layer surrounding the spinal cord.
6. The entire lesion is excised or evacuated, and any excess fluid or blood is drained.
7. The wound is closed in layers, and a sterile dressing is applied.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 63267 is performed when there is a need to remove or evacuate an intraspinal lesion in the lumbar region. This procedure is typically done for lesions that are not neoplasms and are located outside the dura, which is the tough outer membrane surrounding the central nervous system. It is important to note that CPT 63267 specifically applies to lesions in the lumbar region.

5. When to use CPT code 63267

CPT code 63267 should be used when a provider performs a laminectomy to excise or evacuate an intraspinal lesion in the lumbar region. 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 63267, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis necessitating the excision or evacuation of the intraspinal lesion
• Details of the laminectomy procedure performed, including the specific location in the lumbar region
• Description of the lesion and any relevant findings
• Documentation of any additional procedures performed, such as drainage of fluid or blood
• Details of the closure of the wound and application of a sterile dressing
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 63267, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. Additionally, consider any additional guidelines provided by payers or coding authorities. It is also important to review any bundling or unbundling rules that may apply to this procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 63267 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. It was initially listed as an inpatient-only (IPO) procedure but was removed from the IPO list in 2020.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a laminectomy for the excision of an intraspinal lesion in the lumbar region.
2. A provider performs a laminectomy to evacuate an intraspinal lesion in the lumbar region.
3. A patient with a non-neoplastic intraspinal lesion in the lumbar region undergoes a laminectomy for its removal.
4. A provider performs a laminectomy to evacuate excess fluid and remove an intraspinal lesion in the lumbar region.
5. A patient undergoes a laminectomy for the excision of an extradural lesion in the lumbar region.
6. A provider performs a laminectomy to evacuate blood and excise an intraspinal lesion in the lumbar region.
7. A patient with an intraspinal lesion in the lumbar region undergoes a laminectomy for its removal.
8. A provider performs a laminectomy to evacuate an intraspinal lesion and drain excess fluid in the lumbar region.
9. A patient undergoes a laminectomy for the excision of an intraspinal lesion located outside the dura in the lumbar region.
10. A provider performs a laminectomy to evacuate an intraspinal lesion and remove excess blood in the lumbar region.