Total Disc Arthroplasty Procedures Performed on the Cervical and Lumbar Spine (June 2007)

Why This Topic Matters

It helps coding professionals understand how these spine procedures were organized within CPT at the time, including which code families were updated, which codes were deleted, and how related reporting categories were aligned. The article is especially relevant for those coding orthopedic, spine, or surgical services and for anyone tracking historical CPT changes.

Article Sections

1. June 2007 pages 1-3

   Introductory material and background on total disc arthroplasty in the cervical and lumbar spine. The section frames the CPT coding discussion and the procedural context for the article.

2. Lumbar Disc Arthroplasty: What Is It?

   General overview of lumbar disc arthroplasty and the clinical setting in which it is considered. The section describes the procedure at a high level and situates it among other surgical options.

3. What are the Common Indications for a Lumbar Disc Arthroplasty Procedure?

   Broad discussion of the types of lumbar conditions associated with the procedure. The section also summarizes the general operative concept used in this spinal implant surgery.

4. CPT Historical Overview

   Background on the CPT Editorial Panel process and the development of early Category III reporting for lumbar disc arthroplasty. The section provides historical context for the later coding updates.

5. New for CPT 2007

   Summary of the 2007 CPT coding changes affecting lumbar disc arthroplasty. The section covers the code set transition and the associated reporting framework for the procedures.

6. Coding Tip

   General coding guidance related to concurrent procedures and related spinal surgery services. The section also notes distinctions between disc arthroplasty and other spinal procedure categories.

7. Corresponding Category III Codes

   Overview of the remaining Category III add-on structure for additional lumbar interspaces. The section explains the relationship between the add-on code family and the primary lumbar arthroplasty codes.

8. Cervical Disc Arthroplasty Procedures

   Discussion of the cervical disc arthroplasty code revisions that accompanied the lumbar code changes. The section identifies the cervical-only reporting framework introduced for CPT 2007.