How To Use CPT Code 63271

CPT 63271 describes the excision of an intraspinal lesion in the thoracic spine using a laminectomy technique. 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 63271?

CPT 63271 is used to describe the surgical procedure of removing or evacuating an intradural growth in the thoracic spine. This procedure involves a laminectomy, which allows the provider to access the site of the lesion and perform the necessary excision.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 63271 is: ‘Laminectomy for excision of intraspinal lesion other than neoplasm, intradural; thoracic.’

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the patient is prepped and anesthetized, and positioned face down.
2. The provider makes an incision in the middle of the back over the location of the thoracic lesion.
3. The provider dissects through the underlying tissue to gain access to the spinal cord.
4. The lamina, a portion of the thoracic vertebra, is removed to expose the dura.
5. The provider incises the dura and locates the abnormal growth.
6. The entire lesion is excised or evacuated, and any excess fluid or blood is drained.
7. The wound is closed in layers and covered with a sterile dressing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 63271 is performed when there is an intradural lesion in the thoracic spine that requires excision. The procedure is typically indicated for conditions other than neoplasms. It is important to note that this procedure is specific to the thoracic region of the spine.

5. When to use CPT code 63271

CPT code 63271 should be used when a provider performs a laminectomy to excise an intraspinal lesion in the thoracic spine. It is important to ensure that the procedure is performed for a qualifying circumstance and that the documentation supports the use of this specific code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 63271, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the excision of the intraspinal lesion
• Details of the laminectomy procedure performed
• Location of the lesion within the thoracic spine
• Extent of the excision or evacuation of the lesion
• Any additional procedures performed, such as drainage of excess fluid or blood
• Wound closure technique
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 63271, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure and any additional services provided. Be aware of any specific guidelines or modifiers that may be required for proper billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 63271 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was later added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a laminectomy for the excision of an intradural lesion in the thoracic spine.
2. A provider performs a laminectomy to remove an abnormal growth in the thoracic region of the spinal cord.
3. A patient with a thoracic intraspinal lesion undergoes a surgical procedure involving a laminectomy for its excision.
4. A provider performs a laminectomy to evacuate an intradural lesion in the thoracic spine.
5. A patient undergoes a surgical procedure involving a laminectomy for the removal of an intraspinal lesion in the thoracic region.
6. A provider performs a laminectomy to excise an abnormal growth within the dura of the thoracic spine.
7. A patient with a thoracic intradural lesion undergoes a surgical procedure involving a laminectomy for its removal.
8. A provider performs a laminectomy to evacuate an intraspinal lesion in the thoracic region.
9. A patient undergoes a surgical procedure involving a laminectomy for the excision of an intradural lesion in the thoracic spine.
10. A provider performs a laminectomy to remove an abnormal growth within the dura of the thoracic spine.