CPT code 22552 refers to a surgical procedure aimed at fusing two bones in the neck region of the spine.
Procedure Explanation:
This procedure, called surgical fusion of neck bones, involves joining two or more vertebrae in the neck to eliminate any movement between them. It includes cleaning up the space between the bones, removing a damaged disc, trimming any extra bone growth, and easing any pressure on nerves or the spinal cord. It doesn’t cover the primary fusion procedure for the first level, which would be coded separately.
Common Names:
- Cervical Fusion Surgery
- Neck Spinal Fusion
- Cervical Spine Arthrodesis
Relative Value Units (RVU):
The RVUs associated with this code are 6.5.
How This Procedure Appears:
- Operating Room Schedule Name: Additional Neck Vertebrae Fusion
- Surgical Consent Form Name: Cervical Vertebrae Fusion (Additional Level)
Typical Patients and Diagnoses:
This procedure is often used for patients who suffer from neck pain or nerve problems due to conditions like herniated discs or arthritis. For instance, someone with persistent neck pain that travels down their arms might benefit from this surgery if other treatments haven’t worked.
Associated ICD-10 Codes:
- M50.20: Cervical disc disorder without myelopathy
- M47.12: Spondylosis with myelopathy in the cervical region
- M54.2: Cervicalgia, which is just another way to describe neck pain
Summary
In summary, code 22552 describes the fusing of additional cervical spine levels during surgery. Typical ICD-10 codes associated with 22552 include M50.20 (Cervical disc disorder) and M47.12 (Spondylosis with myelopathy).
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.