Coding a Discectomy with a Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Question:

Can we code a laminectomy for disc herniation, such as 63030 or 63042, with a TLIF/PLIF code (22630, 22633)?

Answer:

Good question! There was an update in CPT 2022 to this very complicated and lengthy issue. No – a discectomy may not be separately reported (e.g., 63030, 63042, 63056) since it is required for the posterior lumbar interbody fusion. However, there are new codes – +63052 and +63053 – that may be separately reported when a unilateral or bilateral laminectomy/facetectomy/foraminotomy for decompression is performed. Learn more from our recent 2022 CPT Update for Spine Surgery webinar here:https://karenzupko.com/2022-cpt-update-for-spine-surgery/

*This response is based on the best information available as of 02/24/22.