How To Use CPT Code 63304

CPT 63304 describes the excision of a single segment of the vertebral body in the cervical spine to remove an intradural lesion. 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 63304?

CPT 63304 is used to describe the excision of a single segment of the vertebral body in the cervical spine to remove an intradural lesion. This procedure involves the removal of the diseased or damaged part of the vertebral bone, relieving pressure on the spinal cord. It may also include the removal of discs above and below the affected vertebrae, the insertion of bolts, a bone graft, and the use of a metal plate for spinal reconstruction.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 63304 is: ‘Vertebral corpectomy (vertebral body resection), partial or complete, for excision of intraspinal lesion, single segment; intradural, cervical.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs a partial or complete excision of a single vertebra in the cervical spine.
2. An incision is made, and the diseased or damaged part of the vertebral bone is removed.
3. The discs above and below the affected vertebrae may also be removed.
4. Bolts are inserted above and below the vertebrae for stability.
5. A bone graft is inserted into the vertebral gap.
6. A metal plate may be used for additional spinal reconstruction.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 63304 is performed on patients with intradural lesions in the cervical spine. These lesions may be causing pressure on the spinal cord and require surgical intervention. The procedure is typically performed by a qualified healthcare professional with expertise in spinal surgery.

5. When to use CPT code 63304

CPT code 63304 should be used when a provider performs a vertebral corpectomy in the cervical spine to remove an intradural lesion. It is important to accurately document the location of the lesion and the specific segment of the vertebral body that is excised.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 63304, the provider must document the following information:

• Diagnosis of the intradural lesion and the need for surgical intervention
• Specific segment of the vertebral body that is excised
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the surgical technique, including any additional procedures performed (e.g., removal of discs, insertion of bolts, bone graft, metal plate)
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Signature of the performing provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 63304, ensure that the procedure is performed on a single segment of the vertebral body in the cervical spine to remove an intradural lesion. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure and any additional procedures performed. CPT code 63304 should not be reported with other codes that describe similar procedures or spinal reconstructions.

8. Historical information

CPT 63304 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. It was later added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performs a vertebral corpectomy on a patient with an intradural lesion in the cervical spine.
2. A neurosurgeon removes a segment of the vertebral body to excise an intradural tumor in the cervical spine.
3. A patient undergoes a cervical corpectomy to remove an intradural lesion causing compression of the spinal cord.
4. A spine surgeon performs a vertebral body resection to remove an intradural lesion in the cervical spine.
5. A provider excises a single segment of the vertebral body to remove an intradural lesion in the cervical spine.
6. A patient with an intradural lesion undergoes a partial excision of the vertebral body in the cervical spine.
7. A surgeon performs a corpectomy on a patient with an intradural lesion in the cervical spine.
8. A neurosurgeon removes a segment of the vertebral body to excise an intradural tumor in the cervical spine.
9. A patient undergoes a cervical corpectomy to remove an intradural lesion causing compression of the spinal cord.
10. A spine surgeon performs a vertebral body resection to remove an intradural lesion in the cervical spine.