How To Use CPT Code 63272

CPT 63272 describes the excision of an intraspinal lesion in the lumbar 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 63272?

CPT 63272 is used to describe the surgical procedure in which a provider removes or evacuates an intradural growth in the lumbar spine. This is achieved through a laminectomy, which involves accessing the site of the lesion by removing a portion of the lumbar vertebra called the lamina.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 63272 is: ‘Laminectomy for excision of intraspinal lesion other than neoplasm, intradural; lumbar.’

3. Procedure

1. When performing CPT 63272, the provider begins by making an incision in the middle of the lower back over the location of the lumbar lesion.
2. They then dissect through the underlying tissue to gain access to the spinal cord.
3. The provider retracts the soft tissues and adjacent muscles to expose the spinal cord.
4. Next, they remove a portion of the lumbar vertebra known as the lamina.
5. After exposing and incising the dura, the provider locates the abnormal growth within the dura and proceeds to excise or evacuate the entire lesion.
6. If necessary, any excess fluid or blood is drained from the site.
7. The provider then closes the wound in layers and applies a sterile dressing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 63272 is performed on patients with intradural lesions in the lumbar spine. These lesions are located inside the dura, which is the tough outer membrane surrounding the central nervous system. The procedure is specifically indicated for lesions other than neoplasms (tumors). It is important to note that CPT 63272 is typically performed by a qualified healthcare professional who has the necessary expertise and training to safely and effectively carry out the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 63272

CPT code 63272 should be used when a provider performs a laminectomy to excise an intraspinal lesion in the lumbar spine. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. If the lesion is located in a different region of the spine, a different CPT code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 63272, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis indicating the presence of an intradural lesion in the lumbar spine
• Details of the procedure, including the specific steps taken during the laminectomy
• Any complications or unexpected findings encountered during the procedure
• Post-operative care instructions and any follow-up plans
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 63272, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the code description. The provider should also follow any additional guidelines provided by the payer or relevant coding authorities. It is important to note that CPT 63272 is an inpatient-only procedure, meaning it is typically performed in a hospital setting and is not eligible for reimbursement in an outpatient setting.

8. Historical information

CPT 63272 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare reimbursement purposes.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes CPT 63272 for the excision of an intradural lesion in the lumbar spine.
2. A provider performs a laminectomy to remove an abnormal growth in the dura of a patient’s lumbar spine using CPT 63272.
3. During a surgical procedure, a provider evacuates an intraspinal lesion in the lumbar region using a laminectomy technique, coded as CPT 63272.
4. A patient with an intradural lesion in the lumbar spine undergoes a laminectomy procedure (CPT 63272) to remove the abnormal growth.
5. CPT 63272 is used to code the excision of an intraspinal lesion in the lumbar spine through a laminectomy technique.
6. A provider performs a laminectomy to excise an intradural lesion in the lumbar spine, utilizing CPT 63272 for coding purposes.
7. During a surgical intervention, a provider removes an intraspinal lesion in the lumbar region using a laminectomy technique, coded as CPT 63272.
8. A patient undergoes CPT 63272 for the excision of an intradural growth in the lumbar spine through a laminectomy procedure.
9. A provider utilizes CPT 63272 to code the removal of an intraspinal lesion in the lumbar spine using a laminectomy technique.
10. During a surgical procedure, a provider evacuates an intradural lesion in the lumbar region through a laminectomy technique, coded as CPT 63272.