Headline: New practice focus — CPT code 22845 for anterior spinal instrumentation across two to three segments

Lead: CPT code 22845 defines anterior spinal instrumentation placed across two to three vertebral segments to correct spinal deformity during fusion or arthrodesis. The code captures a specific operative technique and is relevant for surgical coding, coverage determination, and national utilization tracking.

CPT code 22845 represents a targeted operative service for spinal deformity correction using anterior instrumentation over two to three vertebral levels. This code matters nationally because anterior approaches and instrumentation choices affect surgical planning, device utilization, and payer coverage policies for complex spine procedures.

Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The summary addresses how these payers commonly engage with spine surgery claims, prior authorization practices, and coding validation for instrumentation and levels operated.

Readers will find clinical and billing context for when 22845 is reported, expected sites of service, and the typical procedural setting. The publication outlines benchmarks and policy-relevant considerations such as coding specificity for approach and segment count, payer coverage implications, and areas where clinicians and coders should ensure documentation supports the anterior approach and the number of segments instrumented. Data not available in the input for specific utilization rates, reimbursement benchmarks, and payer-specific edits is noted where applicable.