Thoracic Calcified Disc

Question:

The documentation indicates a costovertebral approach and rib removal to access and dissect a calcified thoracic disc at T9-T10. How if this coded? And can the rib removal be reported separately?

Answer:

This is most likely coded as 63064, Costovertebral approach with decompression of spinal cord or nerve root(s) (eg, herniated intervertebral disc), thoracic; single segment. The rib removal is included. A costotranversectomy for the rib removal, is included and not separately reported.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 5/22/25.