20250 Biopsy vrt bdy open thoracic
Also known as: thoracic vertebral body biopsy, spinal biopsy thoracic
Open surgical biopsy of vertebral body in thoracic spine region to obtain tissue sample from vertebral bone. This procedure provides access to thoracic spinal pathology.
In Plain Language
taking a sample from thoracic spine bone
Clinical Context
Used to diagnose infectious, inflammatory, traumatic, or neoplastic pathology of thoracic vertebrae when imaging suggests vertebral involvement.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.06 |
| Total RVU | 5.06 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 10-day global period — follow-up visits within 10 days of the procedure are included in the reimbursement. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 5.06, this code ranks in the 34th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.6x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 20250?
CPT 20250 (Biopsy vrt bdy open thoracic) is a Surgery code. Open surgical biopsy of vertebral body in thoracic spine region to obtain tissue sample from vertebral bone. This procedure provides access to thoracic spinal pathology.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 20250?
The work RVU for CPT 20250 is 5.06. This code is primarily used by Pathology, Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 20250 used?
Used to diagnose infectious, inflammatory, traumatic, or neoplastic pathology of thoracic vertebrae when imaging suggests vertebral involvement.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.