CPT 22112Surgery

Remove part thorax vertebra

CPT code 22112 covers the surgical removal of part of a thoracic vertebra (mid-back bone) through the front or side of the chest. This complex spine procedure is performed to access and treat spinal cord compression, tumors, or deformities in the thoracic region.

Showing rates for

National Average

Base Medicare rate

$1,133.42

This calculator gives a typical-case estimate using standard Medicare modifier rules. Actual payment depends on payer policies, documentation, code-specific CMS status indicators, and locality. Verify before billing.

RVU breakdown

Work RVU

14.07

PE RVU (NF)

15.19

MP RVU

5.78

Total RVU

35.04

Conversion factor: 32.3465 · Source: CMS MPFS RVU25A · Confidence: High

NCCI bundling edits

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Billing tips

Code 22112 is an add-on code and must be billed with primary procedure codes 22110 or appropriate arthrodesis codes; never bill 22112 alone
Impact: Billing independently results in 100% denial; ensures capture of full surgical work valued at $1133.42
Document exact number of vertebral segments with partial corpectomy; bill 22112 for each additional thoracic segment beyond the first
Impact: Each additional segment properly documented adds $1133.42 to reimbursement
Clearly differentiate partial versus complete vertebrectomy in operative note; partial removal qualifies for 22112 while complete removal requires different coding
Impact: Miscoding between partial and complete vertebrectomy can result in over $500 payment difference
Specify anterior or anterolateral surgical approach in documentation; posterior approach procedures use different CPT code family
Impact: Approach documentation prevents claim denials and downcoding; anterior approach procedures typically reimburse 15-25% higher
When modifier 22 is used for increased complexity, include detailed operative note excerpt showing specific anatomical challenges, additional time (minimum 25% increase), and increased complexity
Impact: Well-documented modifier 22 claims can increase reimbursement by $226-$567; poorly documented claims face 85% denial rate
Bill assistant surgeon services (modifier 80 or 82) when medical necessity is documented; thoracic approaches typically require assistance for retraction and exposure
Impact: Captures additional $181.35 in facility reimbursement when assistant surgeon role is medically necessary and documented

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Frequently asked questions

What is the 2025 Medicare reimbursement rate for CPT code 22112?

The 2025 Medicare national average reimbursement for CPT 22112 is $1133.42 for both facility and non-facility settings, based on 35.04 total RVUs and a conversion factor of 32.3465.

Can CPT 22112 be billed alone or does it require a primary procedure code?

CPT 22112 is an add-on code and cannot be billed alone. It must be reported with a primary procedure code such as 22110 (cervical/thoracic corpectomy) or appropriate arthrodesis codes. Billing 22112 independently will result in claim denial.

What is the difference between CPT 22112 and 22110?

CPT 22110 is the primary code for partial vertebrectomy of a single cervical or thoracic vertebra via anterior approach, while 22112 is the add-on code for each additional thoracic vertebral segment beyond the first. Use 22110 for the first segment and 22112 for each additional thoracic segment.

How many RVUs is CPT code 22112 worth in 2025?

CPT 22112 has 35.04 total RVUs in 2025, consisting of 14.07 work RVUs, 15.19 practice expense RVUs, and 5.78 malpractice RVUs. This reflects the complexity and resources required for partial thoracic vertebrectomy.

What modifiers are commonly used with CPT 22112?

Common modifiers for 22112 include modifier 62 (co-surgeons), modifier 80 (assistant surgeon), modifier 22 (increased procedural services), and modifier 59 (distinct procedural service at different level). Modifier 51 does not apply since 22112 is an add-on code.

What documentation is required to bill CPT 22112 without denials?

Required documentation includes specific thoracic vertebral levels treated, clear description of anterior/anterolateral surgical approach, extent of partial vertebral body removal, primary procedure performed, pre-operative imaging showing pathology, medical necessity justification, and operative time demonstrating distinct work for each additional segment.

What are the most common denial reasons for CPT 22112?

The most common denials occur when 22112 is billed without a primary procedure code, insufficient medical necessity documentation, incorrect bundling with primary procedures, or coding for cervical/lumbar levels instead of thoracic. Always pair with appropriate primary code and document thoracic-specific anatomy.