{"id":177292,"date":"2026-08-13T12:14:47","date_gmt":"2026-08-13T12:14:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/?p=177292"},"modified":"2026-08-13T12:52:19","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T12:52:19","slug":"cpt-code-22102","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-22102\/","title":{"rendered":"CPT code 22102: Partial excision of posterior vertebral component, lumbar"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"MedicalWebPage\",\"headline\":\"CPT Code 22102: Partial Excision of Posterior Vertebral Component, Lumbar\",\"description\":\"CPT code 22102 covers partial excision of a posterior vertebral component (spinous process, lamina, or facet) for an intrinsic bony lesion in the lumbar region. This reference covers RVU values, Medicare reimbursement, modifiers, ICD-10 crosswalk, and documentation requirements.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-22102\/\",\"audience\":{\"@type\":\"MedicalAudience\",\"audienceType\":\"Clinician\"},\"reviewedBy\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Dr Vanja Kitanova\",\"jobTitle\":\"Medical Reviewer\",\"affiliation\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Pabau\"},\"knowsAbout\":[\"Medical Coding\",\"Clinical Documentation\",\"Healthcare Billing\",\"Clinical Safety\"],\"sameAs\":\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/blog\/author\/vanja\/\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-08\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-13\"}<\/script>\n\n\n        <div id=\"key_takeaways\">\n            <div class=\"header\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Key-Takeaways-Icon.svg\" alt=\"Key takeaways\" height=\"42\" width=\"42\">\n                                <h3>Key takeaways<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"list\">\n                                                            <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>CPT code 22102 describes partial excision of a posterior vertebral component for an intrinsic bony lesion at a single lumbar segment.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>The component removed is the spinous process, the lamina, or a facet, and the operative note has to name which one.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>Use add-on code 22103 for each additional vertebral segment beyond the primary lumbar segment. It cannot be reported alone.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>Work RVU for 22102 is 10.80 and total RVU is 21.02 in the January 2026 CMS Physician Fee Schedule release.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>Missing modifiers and thin documentation of the intrinsic bony lesion are the two most common denial triggers for 22102 claims.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CPT code 22102 covers partial excision of a posterior vertebral component for an intrinsic bony lesion at one lumbar segment. It sits under Excision Procedures on the Spine in the AMA CPT code set. The official descriptor reads: Partial excision of posterior vertebral component (e.g., spinous process, lamina or facet) for intrinsic bony lesion, single vertebral segment; lumbar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three elements decide whether this code is the right one, and each has to appear explicitly in the operative note:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The excision is of a <em>posterior<\/em> vertebral component, meaning the spinous process, the lamina, or a facet joint<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The indication is an <em>intrinsic bony lesion<\/em> of the vertebra itself, not a herniated disc and not an extradural intraspinal lesion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The procedure treats a <em>single lumbar vertebral segment<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Intrinsic bony lesions here include benign bone tumors such as osteoid osteoma, osteoblastoma, and aneurysmal bone cysts, all arising from the vertebral bone itself. Spine surgeons and the <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/industry\/physical-therapy-emr\/\">physical therapy<\/a> teams handling post-surgical rehab both need the distinction. Miscoding at the surgical stage follows the patient into every record that references the procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"CPT Coding Pitfalls Every Medical Practice Faces\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vbvV5okdXKg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-clinical-context-procedure-anatomy-and-indications\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clinical context: procedure anatomy and indications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The surgery involves removing part of the bony posterior arch of a lumbar vertebra. Depending on the lesion location, the surgeon may excise the spinous process, part of the lamina, or the articular facet. The posterior approach is standard, with the patient prone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Indications narrow to lesions that are intrinsic to the bone. That qualifier is what separates 22102 from several adjacent codes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An osteoid osteoma at L3 supports 22102, and so does an aneurysmal bone cyst in the L2 lamina. A giant cell tumor of a lumbar facet qualifies too, as long as one segment is treated. Pre-operative imaging confirming the intrinsic bony lesion has to accompany the claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When the same procedure is performed for an extradural intraspinal lesion (other than neoplasm), CPT 63267 applies instead. That distinction is covered in detail in the comparison section below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-cpt-code-22102-in-the-spinal-excision-code-family\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">CPT code 22102 in the spinal excision code family<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Codes 22100 through 22103 form the cervical\/thoracic\/lumbar posterior vertebral excision family. Picking the wrong member for the operative region is one of the most common coding errors in spine billing. The table below shows how each code in this <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/cpt-codes\/\">CPT code family<\/a> differs. Reshaping a lumbar segment through an osteotomy sits outside the family and bills as <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-22224\/\">22224<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Code<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Region<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Description<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Add-on \/ Primary<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">22100<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Cervical<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Partial excision of posterior vertebral component for intrinsic bony lesion, single segment<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Primary<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">22101<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Thoracic<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Partial excision of posterior vertebral component for intrinsic bony lesion, single segment<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Primary<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">22102<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Lumbar<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Partial excision of posterior vertebral component for intrinsic bony lesion, single segment<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Primary<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">22103<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Any (add-on)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Partial excision of posterior vertebral component, each additional segment<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Add-on (reported with 22100, 22101, or 22102)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-when-to-report-add-on-code-22103\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to report add-on code 22103<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CPT 22103 is an add-on code, meaning it cannot be reported on its own. It requires a primary code (22100, 22101, or 22102) on the same claim. Report it once for each additional vertebral segment excised beyond the primary segment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Say a surgeon excises an intrinsic bony lesion at L3 and L4 in the same operative session. The correct claim is 22102 for the L3 segment plus 22103 for L4. Leaving 22103 off the claim gives away the reimbursement for the second segment. Reporting 22103 without a documented second segment triggers National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edit denials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-modifiers-for-cpt-code-22102\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Modifiers for CPT code 22102<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Modifier use for CPT code 22102 follows standard surgical coding rules, but each modifier carries specific documentation requirements that payers check. Applying the wrong modifier and omitting one that is clinically warranted are both common denial triggers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Modifier<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Name<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">When to use<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Documentation note<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">-50<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Bilateral procedure<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Procedure performed on both sides of the spine at the same level<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Operative note must explicitly state bilateral approach; verify payer policy on bilateral reimbursement rate (many pay 150% of single)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">-51<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Multiple procedures<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">22102 performed alongside another distinct surgical procedure in the same session<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Apply to the secondary procedure; NCCI edits may bundle certain combinations<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">-59<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Distinct procedural service<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Service is separate and distinct from another procedure billed on the same date<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Use when NCCI edit bundles codes that are clinically separate; document separate indications<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">-62<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Two surgeons<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Two surgeons each perform distinct portions of the procedure<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Both surgeons submit with -62; each typically receives 62.5% of the global fee (verify by payer)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">-80<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Assistant surgeon<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">A second surgeon assists but does not perform a distinct portion<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Assistant typically receives 16% of the global fee; confirm payer policy before billing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Modifier use is subject to NCCI edits maintained by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Check current edits against the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cms.gov\/medicare\/coding-billing\/national-correct-coding-initiative-ncci-edits\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CMS NCCI Policy Manual<\/a> before you finalize claims. Payer-specific restrictions can limit modifier use further.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div id=\"pro_tip\">\n            <div class=\"img\">\n                <svg width=\"42\" height=\"42\" viewBox=\"0 0 42 42\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"\n                        d=\"M12.6383 19.5238C12.6632 21.2071 12.8734 22.9926 12.0685 24.5523C11.0341 26.8917 8.45076 28.169 7.56292 30.5918C6.63082 33.1061 7.19505 36.185 9.31371 37.9786C10.929 39.5678 13.4183 39.9873 15.6061 39.5463C17.4592 39.073 19.1049 37.8388 19.9706 36.1608C20.781 34.7141 20.7866 32.9904 20.5293 31.3985C20.1006 29.3092 18.3775 27.8705 16.9807 26.362C14.8814 24.1005 14.6684 20.6854 15.595 17.8915C16.4331 15.4768 19.0026 14.2344 20.0425 11.9461C20.7202 10.6769 20.7506 9.20327 20.6068 7.81304C20.1864 5.40098 18.3139 3.23631 15.8716 2.56674C13.9742 2.03969 11.8224 2.30052 10.1739 3.37614C8.70522 4.34688 7.5878 5.86618 7.28356 7.58178C6.76081 9.82981 7.53525 12.2822 9.20307 13.9118C10.7658 15.4741 12.4806 17.2273 12.6383 19.5238Z\"\n                        fill=\"#2BADD4\" \/>\n                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"\n                        d=\"M22.7048 19.8387C22.6822 22.3279 24.4507 24.6234 26.7493 25.4682C28.0531 25.961 29.4725 25.9183 30.7989 25.5487C32.0575 24.9955 33.301 24.2237 34.0069 23.0092C34.8384 21.5811 35.2982 19.8286 34.7832 18.2094C34.3611 16.2507 32.8739 14.6541 31.0275 13.9426C28.6736 12.9595 25.8073 13.7942 24.1719 15.7001C23.2022 16.8366 22.6143 18.3326 22.7048 19.8387Z\"\n                        fill=\"#2BADD4\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"text\">\n                <h3>Pro Tip<\/h3>\n                <p>Run a modifier audit on 22102 claims quarterly. Filter your claims reports by denial reason code CO-4 for modifier problems and CO-97 for bundling. Both point at the same root cause. Either the modifier does not match the documentation, or it conflicts with an active NCCI edit. Catching that before submission costs far less than appealing the denial afterward.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-rvu-values-for-cpt-code-22102\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">RVU values for CPT code 22102<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cms.gov\/medicare\/physician-fee-schedule\/search\/overview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CMS Physician Fee Schedule<\/a> assigns relative value units (RVUs) to CPT code 22102 every year. The figures below come from the January 2026 release. Dollar reimbursement is total RVUs multiplied by the Medicare conversion factor, then adjusted by the geographic practice cost index (GPCI) for the service location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">RVU Component<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Value (Facility)<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">What it represents<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Work RVU (wRVU)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">10.80<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Physician time, skill, and intensity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Practice Expense RVU (PE)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">8.47 (facility)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Overhead costs (staff, equipment, supplies)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Malpractice RVU (MP)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">1.75<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Professional liability insurance costs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Total RVU<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">21.02 (facility)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Sum x conversion factor = Medicare payment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">RVU values change with each Physician Fee Schedule final rule, so a figure from last year will quietly skew a productivity report. Check the current numbers in the <a href=\"https:\/\/fastrvu.com\/tools\/rvu-lookup\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">FastRVU 2026 RVU lookup<\/a> or the CMS PFS search tool before you set internal benchmarks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-medicare-reimbursement-for-cpt-22102\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Medicare reimbursement for CPT 22102<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Medicare reimbursement for CPT code 22102 is calculated from total RVUs multiplied by the annual conversion factor, adjusted by the GPCI for the practice&rsquo;s locality. Facility rates (hospital or ambulatory surgical center) differ from non-facility rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because this is a surgical procedure, most CPT code 22102 claims are billed under the facility rate. The non-facility rate applies only in a physician office setting, which is uncommon for lumbar spinal excision. Build locality-specific fee schedules into your billing rules engine rather than working from national averages. The same discipline pays off across the rest of your <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/blog\/best-medical-practice-management-software\/\">medical practice management<\/a> workflows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-payer-specific-rates-and-verification\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Payer-specific rates and verification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Commercial payers negotiate rates independently of the Medicare fee schedule. A Blue Cross or Aetna rate may sit above or below Medicare. It depends on the market and the fee schedule you have contracted. Verify contracted rates by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reviewing the provider agreement schedule of benefits for surgical codes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Running a pre-authorization or fee schedule inquiry through the payer&rsquo;s provider portal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using a clearinghouse that aggregates payer-specific rates by CPT code<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Checking the payer&rsquo;s local coverage determination (LCD) for spinal surgery procedures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Practice management software like Pabau reports denial patterns by CPT code, so a spine practice can see which payers underpay or reject 22102 claims. The same report shows which modifier combinations sit behind those decisions, which is what tells you whether the problem is coding or contracting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.pabau.com\/cdn\/attachments\/pulse\/content-engine\/billing_codes\/cpt-code-22102\/automate-claims-through-healthcode.webp\" alt=\"Automate claims and billing with Pabau\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Pabau&rsquo;s claims management sends 22102 out with its modifiers and ICD-10 pairing attached, so nothing is retyped between the note and the payer.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px;width:800px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-icd-10-diagnosis-codes-commonly-billed-with-cpt-code-22102\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">ICD-10 diagnosis codes commonly billed with CPT code 22102<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pairing CPT code 22102 with the correct ICD-10-CM diagnosis code is essential for medical necessity. Payer LCDs for spinal surgery specify which ICD-10 codes support coverage. The table below lists the most commonly paired codes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">ICD-10-CM Code<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Description<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Usage note<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">D16.6<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Benign neoplasm of vertebral column<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Primary code for benign bone tumors of the spine; commonly paired with 22102 for osteoid osteoma\/osteoblastoma of lumbar vertebra<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">M48.56XA<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Collapsed vertebra NEC, lumbar region, initial encounter<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Use when lesion causes structural compromise; document level specifically<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Q76.49<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Other congenital malformations of spine, not associated with scoliosis<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">For congenital intrinsic bony anomalies requiring excision; verify with AMA guidelines<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">M88.1<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Osteitis deformans of vertebrae<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">The correct code when Paget disease of the vertebral column involves the lumbar posterior elements and requires excision<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check current-year validity in the <a href=\"https:\/\/icd10cmtool.cdc.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CDC\/NCHS ICD-10-CM web tool<\/a>. Payer acceptance varies, so read the applicable LCD for lumbar spine surgery before you submit. Avoid one pairing in particular. Vertebral discitis coded as M46.46 supports debridement billed under 63267, not 22102.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-documentation-requirements-for-cpt-code-22102\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Documentation requirements for CPT code 22102<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thin documentation is the most preventable cause of 22102 denials. The operative note has to substantiate every element of the code descriptor. <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/blog\/hipaa-compliance-for-medical-offices\/\">HIPAA compliance<\/a> rules for electronic claims add a second reason to get it right, because the clinical record must support the billed service before transmission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Intrinsic bony lesion confirmation:<\/strong> Pre-operative imaging (CT, MRI, or X-ray) identifying the lesion within the vertebral bone, not as a soft tissue or extradural finding<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Anatomical specificity:<\/strong> The note names the exact vertebral level, such as L3, and the posterior component excised. It also confirms the lumbar region<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Single vs. multiple segments:<\/strong> State clearly how many segments were treated. Each additional segment requires its own 22103 line on the claim<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Medical necessity narrative:<\/strong> Explains why surgical excision was selected over conservative management, referencing symptom duration, failed alternatives, and radiographic findings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pathology report:<\/strong> When excised tissue is sent for pathological analysis, the report supports the intrinsic bony lesion diagnosis and is required by many Medicare contractors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Surgeon credentials and role:<\/strong> If co-surgeon (-62) or assistant surgeon (-80) modifiers are used, document each surgeon&rsquo;s specific contributions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Practices whose <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/features\/medical-records-management\/\">clinical documentation<\/a> feeds the billing platform directly make fewer re-entry errors, because the operative note fields populate the claim form. That covers the vertebral level, the modifier flags, and the ICD-10 pairing. <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/industry\/sports-medicine-software\/\">Sports medicine<\/a> teams carrying the same patients through rehab lean on that cross-referencing when payers request records during an audit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.pabau.com\/cdn\/attachments\/pulse\/content-engine\/billing_codes\/cpt-code-22102\/comprehensive-patient-records.webp\" alt=\"Comprehensive patient records in Pabau\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Pabau keeps the imaging, the operative note, and the pathology report in one record, so an audit request for 22102 is a single search.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px;width:800px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-cpt-code-22102-vs-cpt-63267-choosing-the-correct-spinal-excision-code\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">CPT code 22102 vs. CPT 63267: Choosing the correct spinal excision code<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most frequent coding error in lumbar spinal excision billing is using CPT code 22102 when CPT 63267 is correct, or vice versa. Both involve excision of posterior spinal tissue in the lumbar region, but the lesion type and surgical plane are fundamentally different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Factor<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">CPT 22102<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">CPT 63267<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Code section<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Excision Procedures on the Spine (musculoskeletal)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Laminectomy Procedures (nervous system)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Lesion type<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Intrinsic bony lesion of the vertebra itself<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Extradural intraspinal lesion other than neoplasm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Surgical target<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Posterior bony element (spinous process, lamina, facet)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Extradural space (outside the dura, within the spinal canal)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Typical pathology<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Osteoid osteoma, osteoblastoma, aneurysmal bone cyst, Paget-related bony hypertrophy<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Epidural abscess, hematoma, extradural cyst (non-neoplastic)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Key differentiator<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">The lesion is within the bone structure<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">The lesion is within the spinal canal but outside the dura<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If imaging shows an epidural abscess compressing the lumbar cord, 63267 is correct even when a laminectomy is performed to reach it. If imaging shows an osteoid osteoma in the L3 lamina, 22102 is correct. The pre-operative imaging report and the operative indication section carry that distinction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Neither code covers disc pathology or vertebral body augmentation. Intradiscal work carries its own codes, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-22527\/\">22527<\/a>, and cement augmentation of a collapsed vertebra bills with the vertebroplasty codes, including <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-22510\/\">22510<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-common-billing-errors-and-how-to-avoid-them\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common billing errors and how to avoid them<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most denials on CPT code 22102 claims fall into four categories. Each has a specific fix at the pre-submission stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Wrong anatomical region code:<\/strong> Billing 22101 (thoracic) or 22100 (cervical) when the operative note clearly states lumbar. This happens most often when coders default to a template without verifying the level against the operative report. Fix: Build a mandatory vertebral-region field into your documentation template.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Missing 22103 for additional segments:<\/strong> Surgeons often treat two or three adjacent lumbar segments in one session. Only the primary segment reaches the claim. Every additional segment in the operative note needs its own 22103 line. Fix: Add a segment count field to the post-operative charge capture form.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No modifier where clinically warranted:<\/strong> A co-surgeon performs a distinct portion of the excision, but the note never says so. One provider bills without -62, and the second surgeon&rsquo;s work goes unbilled. Fix: Verify co-surgeon and assistant documentation before the operative note is closed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inadequate lesion documentation:<\/strong> The operative note describes the excision but does not explicitly label the lesion as an intrinsic bony lesion. Payers then deny on medical necessity grounds. Fix: Ensure the pre-operative diagnosis in the chart uses the exact language \u00ab\u00a0intrinsic bony lesion\u00a0\u00bb and references supporting imaging.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A pre-submission claim scrub catches all four. It cross-checks the CPT code against the documented procedure levels, the modifiers present, and the ICD-10 pairing. <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/blog\/practice-management-software\/\">Practice management software<\/a> with a rules engine flags those mismatches before the claim reaches the clearinghouse.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div id=\"pro_tip\">\n            <div class=\"img\">\n                <svg width=\"42\" height=\"42\" viewBox=\"0 0 42 42\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"\n                        d=\"M12.6383 19.5238C12.6632 21.2071 12.8734 22.9926 12.0685 24.5523C11.0341 26.8917 8.45076 28.169 7.56292 30.5918C6.63082 33.1061 7.19505 36.185 9.31371 37.9786C10.929 39.5678 13.4183 39.9873 15.6061 39.5463C17.4592 39.073 19.1049 37.8388 19.9706 36.1608C20.781 34.7141 20.7866 32.9904 20.5293 31.3985C20.1006 29.3092 18.3775 27.8705 16.9807 26.362C14.8814 24.1005 14.6684 20.6854 15.595 17.8915C16.4331 15.4768 19.0026 14.2344 20.0425 11.9461C20.7202 10.6769 20.7506 9.20327 20.6068 7.81304C20.1864 5.40098 18.3139 3.23631 15.8716 2.56674C13.9742 2.03969 11.8224 2.30052 10.1739 3.37614C8.70522 4.34688 7.5878 5.86618 7.28356 7.58178C6.76081 9.82981 7.53525 12.2822 9.20307 13.9118C10.7658 15.4741 12.4806 17.2273 12.6383 19.5238Z\"\n                        fill=\"#2BADD4\" \/>\n                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"\n                        d=\"M22.7048 19.8387C22.6822 22.3279 24.4507 24.6234 26.7493 25.4682C28.0531 25.961 29.4725 25.9183 30.7989 25.5487C32.0575 24.9955 33.301 24.2237 34.0069 23.0092C34.8384 21.5811 35.2982 19.8286 34.7832 18.2094C34.3611 16.2507 32.8739 14.6541 31.0275 13.9426C28.6736 12.9595 25.8073 13.7942 24.1719 15.7001C23.2022 16.8366 22.6143 18.3326 22.7048 19.8387Z\"\n                        fill=\"#2BADD4\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"text\">\n                <h3>Pro Tip<\/h3>\n                <p>Set up a claim filter in your billing dashboard so every 22102 and 22103 line gets reviewed before the batch goes out. Check three things. Does the ICD-10 code support an intrinsic bony lesion diagnosis? Do the 22103 units match the additional segments in the operative note? Is every modifier backed by something written in the operative report? The check runs in about two minutes per claim and closes the three most common documentation misses.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-practice-management-software-supports-accurate-spinal-billing\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How practice management software supports accurate spinal billing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A coding reference tells you which code is correct. It cannot stop the re-entry errors, the missing modifiers, and the thin lesion documentation that turn a correct code into a denied claim. Those are workflow problems, and they get solved where the note and the claim are built from the same data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pabau ties clinical documentation to claims submission. The operative note fields, the vertebral level, the lesion type, and the modifier flags populate the claim directly, with no retyping in between. Its <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/features\/claims-management-software\/\">claims management tools<\/a> then group denials by CPT code, so you can tell whether 22102 rejections trace back to modifiers, documentation, or ICD-10 pairing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/features\/ai-medical-scribe\/\">AI-assisted documentation<\/a> from Pabau Scribe, our AI scribe, structures surgical notes consistently from dictation. That makes it far less likely a note ships without the intrinsic bony lesion language payers look for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reporting by payer also shows where an appeal is worth the effort. Some practices follow spine patients from imaging through surgery, pathology, and rehab. One linked record keeps that documentation chain intact when an auditor asks for it.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div id=\"book_a_demo\">\n            <div class=\"left-side\">\n                <div class=\"logo\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\"\n                        src=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Logo.svg\"\n                        alt=\"Logo\"\n                        loading=\"lazy\"\n                    \/>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <h3 class=\"heading\">\n                    Cut spine surgery claim denials at the source                <\/h3>\n\n                <p class=\"description\">\n                    Pabau links your CPT code 22102 operative notes, modifiers, and ICD-10 pairings from the procedure record through to the payer. Your billing team stops retyping surgical detail that is already in the chart.                <\/p>\n\n                <div class=\"button-group\">\n                    <a href=\"\/book-demo\/\" class=\"btn btn-scale-effect btn-cta-color btn-md\">\n                        <span class=\"btn-text\">Book a demo<\/span>\n                        <div class=\"btn-icon btn-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                            <svg\n                                width=\"14\"\n                                height=\"12\"\n                                viewBox=\"0 0 14 12\"\n                                fill=\"none\"\n                                xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\n                            >\n                                <path\n                                    d=\"M0.75 4.77295C0.335786 4.77295 0 5.10874 0 5.52295C0 5.93716 0.335786 6.27295 0.75 6.27295V5.52295V4.77295ZM13.2803 6.05328C13.5732 5.76039 13.5732 5.28551 13.2803 4.99262L8.50736 0.219648C8.21447 -0.073245 7.73959 -0.073245 7.4467 0.219648C7.15381 0.512542 7.15381 0.987415 7.4467 1.28031L11.6893 5.52295L7.4467 9.76559C7.15381 10.0585 7.15381 10.5334 7.4467 10.8263C7.73959 11.1191 8.21447 11.1191 8.50736 10.8263L13.2803 6.05328ZM0.75 5.52295V6.27295L12.75 6.27295V5.52295V4.77295L0.75 4.77295V5.52295Z\"\n                                    fill=\"currentColor\"\n                                ><\/path>\n                            <\/svg>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"right-side\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\"\n                    src=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Home-Page-Concept-4.webp\"\n                    alt=\"Pabau claims management dashboard\"\n                    loading=\"lazy\"\n                \/>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-conclusion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choosing 22102 is the easy part. Keeping the claim intact takes three habits. Name the intrinsic bony lesion in the operative note. Count the segments before charge capture. Tie every modifier to something you can point to in the record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Practices that build those checks into the note itself stop chasing denials weeks later. The trade-off is a slightly slower close on the operative note, in exchange for a claim that clears payer review on the first pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pabau keeps surgical records, ICD-10 pairings, and modifier logic linked from the procedure note through to submission. <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/book-demo\/\">Book a demo<\/a> to see how that removes the manual handoffs where 22102 errors start.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div id=\"expert_picks\">\n            <div class=\"header\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Expert-Picks.svg\" alt=\"Continue your research\" height=\"42\" width=\"42\">\n                                <h3>Continue your research<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"content\">\n                                                            <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Coding a cervical spine fracture next?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-22318\/\">CPT code 22318<\/a> walks through odontoid fracture repair, its RVU values, and the fee schedule.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Billing sacral nerve stimulation test leads?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/hcpcs-code-a4290\/\">HCPCS code A4290<\/a> sets out how the supply is billed and what the documentation has to show.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Reconstructive flap surgery on the schedule?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-20972\/\">CPT code 20972<\/a> breaks down free osteocutaneous flap billing and the notes that support it.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Need a discharge document for post-operative patients?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/templates\/patient-discharge-form\/\">Patient discharge form<\/a> gives you a free template plus the fields worth recording every time.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Want the reporting behind fewer denials?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/blog\/practice-management-software-features\/\">Practice management software features<\/a> covers the documentation and reporting tools that keep surgical claims clean.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786603698270\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What does CPT code 22102 describe?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">CPT code 22102 describes partial excision of a posterior vertebral component for an intrinsic bony lesion at a single lumbar segment. The component is the spinous process, the lamina, or a facet. The code sits under Excision Procedures on the Spine in the AMA CPT code set. It requires the lesion to be within the bone itself, not an extradural or soft-tissue finding.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786603698271\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the add-on code for additional vertebral segments with 22102?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">CPT 22103 is the add-on code for each additional vertebral segment beyond the primary segment billed with 22102. It cannot be reported alone and must appear on the same claim as 22102 (or 22100\/22101). Report one unit of 22103 per additional segment documented in the operative note.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786603698272\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What modifiers apply to CPT code 22102?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Five modifiers come up most often. Modifier -50 covers a bilateral procedure and -51 covers multiple procedures in the same session. Modifier -59 marks a distinct procedural service where an NCCI edit bundles codes that are clinically separate. Modifier -62 covers two surgeons splitting distinct portions, and -80 covers an assistant surgeon. Applicability varies by payer, so check current CMS NCCI policy before submitting.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786603698273\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">When should CPT 63267 be used instead of CPT 22102?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">CPT 63267 is correct when the lumbar excision targets an extradural intraspinal lesion other than a neoplasm. That includes an epidural abscess, a hematoma, or an extradural cyst. CPT 22102 applies when the lesion is intrinsic to the vertebral bone itself. The pre-operative imaging report and the surgical indication in the operative note are the key distinguishing documents.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786603698274\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What ICD-10 codes are commonly billed with CPT 22102?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">D16.6 (benign neoplasm of vertebral column) is the most frequently paired ICD-10-CM code for lumbar intrinsic bony lesions such as osteoid osteoma or osteoblastoma. M48.56XA covers a collapsed lumbar vertebra and Q76.49 covers other congenital malformations of the spine. M88.1 covers osteitis deformans of vertebrae. Which one applies depends on the pathology. Always verify pairings against the applicable Medicare LCD for lumbar spinal surgery, as payer acceptance varies.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1786603698275\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What documentation is required to support a CPT 22102 claim?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The operative note must name the exact vertebral level and the posterior component excised, meaning the spinous process, the lamina, or a facet. It must also identify the lesion as intrinsic to the vertebral bone. Pre-operative imaging, a medical necessity narrative, and a pathology report for any tissue sent for analysis complete the file. Missing any one of these is among the most common denial triggers.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>CPT code 22102 covers partial excision of a posterior vertebral component for an intrinsic bony lesion at one lumbar segment. It sits under Excision Procedures on the Spine in the AMA CPT code set. The official descriptor reads: Partial excision of posterior vertebral component (e.g., spinous process, lamina or facet) for intrinsic bony lesion, single [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":177289,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_linkdex":"80","_yoast_wpseo_content_score":"30","_yoast_wpseo_is_cornerstone":"","_yoast_wpseo_keywordsynonyms":"[\"\",\"\",\"\",\"\",\"\",\"\"]","_yoast_wpseo_focuskw_text_input":"","_seo_original_html":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1433,1546],"tags":[4116,3655,1658],"class_list":["post-177292","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-billing-codes","category-cpt-codes","tag-billing-codes","tag-spine-coding","tag-spine-surgery-billing"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.2 (Yoast SEO v28.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>CPT code 22102: Lumbar excision RVUs and denial triggers<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"CPT code 22102 covers lumbar posterior vertebral excision. Work RVU is 10.80, and add-on 22103 bills each additional segment.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-22102\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"fr_FR\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"CPT code 22102: Lumbar excision RVUs and denial triggers\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"CPT code 22102 covers lumbar posterior vertebral excision. Work RVU is 10.80, and add-on 22103 bills each additional segment.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-22102\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Pabau\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Pabau\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-08-13T12:14:47+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-08-13T12:52:19+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/cpt-code-22102.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"630\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Maja Popovska\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@pabaucrm\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@pabaucrm\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"\u00c9crit par\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Maja Popovska\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Dur\u00e9e de lecture estim\u00e9e\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"14 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-22102\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-22102\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Maja Popovska\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/b00aec1dd379f0ddcf6137d78e2a21db\"},\"headline\":\"CPT code 22102: Partial excision of posterior vertebral component, lumbar\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-13T12:14:47+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-13T12:52:19+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-22102\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2771,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-22102\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/cpt-code-22102.webp\",\"keywords\":[\"billing codes\",\"Spine Coding\",\"Spine Surgery Billing\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Billing Codes\",\"CPT Codes\"],\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-22102\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-22102\\\/\",\"name\":\"CPT code 22102: Lumbar excision RVUs and denial triggers\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-22102\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/procedure-codes\\\/cpt-code-22102\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/cpt-code-22102.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-08-13T12:14:47+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-13T12:52:19+00:00\",\"description\":\"CPT code 22102 covers lumbar posterior vertebral excision. 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