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CPT 22812: Anterior Spinal Fusion, Multilevel (8+ Segments)
CPT code 22812 denotes an anterior spinal arthrodesis (spinal fusion) involving eight or more vertebral segments. This high-complexity surgical code captures extensive multilevel fusion procedures used to treat significant spinal deformities and chronic pain from conditions such as scoliosis and kyphosis. Nationally, this code is associated with major operative resource use, inpatient surgical admission, and prolonged recovery, making it a focus for utilization, payment policy, and clinical pathway development.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context and the service setting, plus benchmarks and policy-relevant information where available. The publication outlines typical utilization patterns for complex anterior multilevel fusions, payment considerations across major payers, and relevant coding and billing practice points. It also highlights areas where further data or payer-specific policy details are often needed to support coverage determination, prior authorization, and documentation requirements.
This summary provides clinicians, coding professionals, and policy analysts with the clinical definition, expected site of service, and the types of payer interactions commonly encountered for CPT code 22812, supporting operational and compliance planning at a national level.
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Billing Code Overview
CPT code 22812 describes arthrodesis (spinal fusion) performed via an anterior approach, fusing eight or more vertebral segments. The procedure secures multiple vertebrae to one another to treat and alleviate persistent pain from spinal deformities such as scoliosis or kyphosis. The description notes the surgeon may apply a body cast as part of postoperative management.
Service type: Surgical — Spinal fusion (anterior approach), multilevel (8+ segments)
Typical site of service: Hospital operating room or inpatient surgical setting, with postoperative inpatient care possible when a body cast or extended monitoring is required.