CPT code 63042 refers to a type of back surgery that helps relieve pressure on specific nerves in the lower spine. CPT 63042 represents “Laminotomy (hemilaminectomy), with decompression of nerve root(s), including partial facetectomy, foraminotomy and/or excision of herniated intervertebral disc, reexploration, single interspace; lumbar.”
Procedure Explanation:
In this procedure, a surgeon makes a small opening in one side of the lower back bone to give a bit more space to nerves that might be getting squeezed. This is done by removing a small part of the bone, a bit of the joint, and possibly any part of a bulging or slipped disc. Sometimes, this procedure might be done again if someone has had it before, and it’s only done on one level of the spine at a time.
Common Names:
- Laminotomy
- Hemi-laminectomy
- Spinal Decompression Surgery
Relative Value Units (RVU):
The RVUs associated with this code are 18.76.
How This Procedure Appears:
- Operating Room Schedule Name: Lumbar Laminotomy for Nerve Decompression
- Surgical Consent Form Name: Lumbar Laminotomy with Nerve Root Decompression
Typical Patients and Diagnoses:
This surgery is commonly performed on people experiencing back pain or leg pain caused by too much pressure on the nerves in the lower back. For example, someone with pain due to a slipped disc or arthritis affecting the joints in the spine might undergo this procedure.
Associated ICD-10 Codes:
- M51.26: This code represents problems with certain discs in the lower back, commonly known as a lumbar herniated disc.
- M48.06: This is used when there are narrow spaces in the spinal canal in the lower back region, referred to as lumbar spinal stenosis.
- M54.16: This code is for sciatica, which describes pain that travels down the leg due to problems in the lower back.
Summary
In summary, code 63042 describes a lumbar laminotomy procedure done to relieve nerve pressure in the lower spine. Typical ICD-10 codes associated with 63042 include M51.26 (lumbar herniated disc) and M48.06 (lumbar spinal stenosis).
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.