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Procedure billing guide
Disc procedures are coded by approach. Percutaneous, needle-based lumbar disc decompression is CPT 62287. Endoscopic lumbar decompression is 62380. Open lumbar laminotomy with discectomy is 63030 for the first interspace and +63035 for each additional one. Payers usually require prior authorization, imaging that matches the symptoms, and documented failure of conservative care.
Updated
CPT codes
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 62287 | Percutaneous decompression of nucleus pulposus, lumbar, needle-based |
| 62380 | Endoscopic decompression including discectomy, lumbar, one interspace |
| 63030 | Laminotomy with decompression and discectomy, lumbar, one interspace |
| +63035 | Each additional interspace |
Codes shown for reference. Always confirm against the current year’s CPT code set and your payer’s policy.
Billing rules
Payers generally require MRI or CT findings that match the patient's symptoms, a documented course of conservative care, and prior authorization. Coverage for percutaneous and endoscopic techniques varies more than for open discectomy, so we check each payer's policy before the procedure is scheduled.
Choose the code by the approach in the operative note: 62287 for needle-based percutaneous decompression, 62380 for endoscopic lumbar decompression, and 63030 for open laminotomy with discectomy. 62287 is reported once however many levels are treated, while 63030 takes add-on 63035 for each additional lumbar interspace.
Common denials
These are the denial reasons we see most often. We check for each one before a claim goes out, instead of finding out from a denial.
FAQ
Needle-based percutaneous lumbar disc decompression is CPT 62287, reported once regardless of the number of levels.
Endoscopic lumbar decompression including discectomy is CPT 62380 for one interspace.
Coverage rules change; always check the current version of each policy and your payer’s own rules.
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Read more about Prior AuthorizationCPT, ICD-10, HCPCS and modifier coding for every interventional pain procedure.
Read more about Pain Management CodingHow it works
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