CPT code 63047 refers to a surgical procedure that helps relieve pressure on nerves in the lower back. CPT 63047 represents “Laminectomy, facetectomy and foraminotomy (unilateral or bilateral with decompression of spinal cord, cauda equina and/or nerve root[s], [eg, spinal or lateral recess stenosis]), single vertebral segment; lumbar.”
Procedure Explanation:
This surgery involves removing parts of the bone or tissue around a vertebra in the lower back to relieve nerve pressure. It is often used to treat situations where the spaces in the spine have become narrow and put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. The procedure may include actions like taking away small bits of bone or other tissues that are squeezing nerves, and it focuses on one specific part of the spine. It’s important to note that this procedure targets relieving compression at a single level of the spine and does not involve addressing other bones or issues in different parts.
Common Names:
- Lower Back Decompression Surgery
- Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Surgery
- Single-Segment Lumbar Decompression
Relative Value Units (RVU):
The RVUs associated with this code are 15.37.
How This Procedure Appears:
- Operating Room Schedule Name: Lumbar Decompression
- Surgical Consent Form Name: Lumbar Laminectomy and Nerve Decompression
Typical Patients and Diagnoses:
This procedure is commonly performed on patients experiencing significant lower back pain due to nerve pressure. Such conditions often occur with age as the spine becomes more compressed or due to conditions like spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of the spaces in the spine. Imagine someone who finds it difficult to stand or walk for long periods because of back pain—that’s the kind of issue this surgery aims to help with.
Associated ICD-10 Codes:
- M48.06: Spinal stenosis affecting the lumbar region, where the spinal canal narrows and causes nerve pain.
- M51.26: It refers to a condition of displaced intervertebral disc in the lumbar region, which can press on a nerve root.
- M43.16: This code involves spondylolisthesis, where a vertebra slips out of place onto the bone below it in the lumbar spine.
Summary
In summary, code 63047 describes a surgical operation to relieve nerve pressure in the lower back by making more room in the spine. Typical ICD-10 codes associated with 63047 include M48.06 (lumbar spinal stenosis) and M51.26 (displaced lumbar intervertebral disc).
Disclaimer
This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. “CPT” and CPT Codes are registered trademarks of the American Medical Association. HCPCS codes are managed by Medicare and are not subject to copyright.