Coding for Vertebral Compression Fracture Procedures
Several technologies exist for vertebral augmentation in the treatment of vertebral compression fractures, including Radiofrequency-Targeted Vertebral Augmentation™ (RF-TVA™), also referred to as RF Kyphoplasty. The coding language in the United States has evolved to include all FDA cleared devices that displace, remove, or compact bone to create a space, cavity, or void.*
Vertebral Augmentation (formerly Kyphoplasty) Coding: Effective October 1, 2008 (ICD-9 CM 2010 Volumes 1 & 2)
| ICD-9 Code |
Fiscal Year |
ICD-9 Code Title |
ICD-9 Code Description |
| 81.66 |
2010 |
Percutaneous vertebral augmentation |
Insertion of inflatable balloon, bone tamp, or other device displacing (removing) (compacting) bone to create a space (cavity) (void) prior to the injection of bone void filler (cement) (polymethylmethacrylate) (PMMA) or other substance. Arcuplasty, Kyphoplasty, SKyphoplasty, Spineoplasty.* |
Product specific terms given as examples that were commercially available at the time of publication
CPT codes and corresponding APC codes for vertebral augmentation
| CPT Code |
CPT Code Description |
Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) |
| 22523 |
Percutaneous vertebral augmentation, including cavity creation (fracture reduction and bone biopsy included when performed) using mechanical device, one vertebral body, unilateral or bilateral cannulation (eg, kyphoplasty); thoracic |
APC 0052 |
| 22524 |
Percutaneous vertebral augmentation, including cavity creation (fracture reduction and bone biopsy included when performed) using mechanical device, one vertebral body, unilateral or bilateral cannulation (eg, kyphoplasty); lumbar |
APC 0052 |
| 22525 |
Each additional thoracic or lumbar vertebral body |
APC 0052 |
*The reimbursement language herein replaces previously used terms, including, but not limited to, kyphoplasty reimbursement, kyphoplasty ICD 9 code, and kyphoplasty CPT code.
Coding Guidelines
Reimbursement Landscape