How To Use CPT Code 63301

CPT 63301 describes the partial or complete excision of an intraspinal lesion within the thoracic spine using a transthoracic approach. 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 63301?

CPT 63301 is used to describe the surgical procedure of removing a partial or complete intraspinal lesion within the thoracic spine. This procedure is performed using a transthoracic approach, which involves making an incision through the thoracic cavity or across the chest wall to access the affected area.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 63301 is: ‘Vertebral corpectomy (vertebral body resection), partial or complete, for excision of intraspinal lesion, single segment; extradural, thoracic by transthoracic approach.’

3. Procedure

1. The surgeon begins by making a transthoracic incision to access the thoracic spine.
2. Once the affected vertebra is exposed, the surgeon removes the diseased or damaged portion of the vertebral body, relieving pressure on the spinal cord.
3. The surgeon may also remove the intervertebral discs above and below the excised vertebra.
4. Bolts are then inserted above and below the vertebrae to provide stability.
5. A bone graft is placed in the vertebral gap to promote fusion.
6. To further support the fusion, a metal plate may be inserted.
7. Finally, the incision is closed, and the patient is monitored for any post-operative complications.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 63301 is performed on patients with an intraspinal lesion within the thoracic spine. The procedure is indicated when the lesion is extradural, meaning it is located outside the dura mater, the protective membrane surrounding the spinal cord. The transthoracic approach is used to access the lesion, and the excision is performed on a single vertebral segment.

5. When to use CPT code 63301

CPT code 63301 should be used when a surgeon performs a partial or complete excision of an intraspinal lesion within the thoracic spine using a transthoracic approach. It is important to accurately document the location of the lesion, the approach used, and the extent of the excision to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 63301, the surgeon must document the following information:

• Location and nature of the intraspinal lesion
• Details of the transthoracic approach used
• Description of the partial or complete excision performed
• Extent of the vertebral body resection
• Placement of any hardware, such as bolts or metal plates
• Use of bone graft for fusion
• Closure of the incision

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 63301, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the official description. The documentation should clearly support the use of a transthoracic approach and the excision of an intraspinal lesion within the thoracic spine. It is important to follow any additional guidelines provided by payers or coding authorities to ensure accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 63301 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.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes CPT 63301 for the excision of an extradural lesion within the thoracic spine using a transthoracic approach.
2. A surgeon performs a partial corpectomy on a single thoracic vertebral segment to remove an intraspinal lesion.
3. CPT 63301 is used to document the complete excision of an extradural lesion within the thoracic spine using a transthoracic approach.
4. A transthoracic incision is made to access the thoracic spine, and a surgeon removes a partial vertebral body to excise an intraspinal lesion.
5. A patient undergoes CPT 63301 for the complete resection of an extradural lesion within the thoracic spine.
6. A surgeon performs a transthoracic corpectomy to remove a single thoracic vertebral segment affected by an intraspinal lesion.
7. CPT 63301 is used to document the partial excision of an extradural lesion within the thoracic spine using a transthoracic approach.
8. A transthoracic approach is used to remove a complete vertebral body affected by an intraspinal lesion, and CPT 63301 is reported.
9. A surgeon performs a corpectomy on a single thoracic vertebral segment to excise an extradural lesion within the thoracic spine.
10. CPT 63301 is used to document the excision of an intraspinal lesion within the thoracic spine using a transthoracic approach.