20251 Biopsy vrt bdy open lumbar/crv
Also known as: lumbar vertebral biopsy, cervical vertebral biopsy
Open surgical biopsy of vertebral body in lumbar or cervical spine region to obtain tissue sample from spinal vertebral bone. This procedure accesses cervical or lumbar spinal pathology.
In Plain Language
taking a sample from cervical or lumbar spine bone
Clinical Context
Used to diagnose infections, malignancies, inflammatory conditions, or metabolic bone diseases affecting cervical or lumbar vertebrae.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.58 |
| Total RVU | 5.58 |
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 5.58, this code ranks in the 37th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.4x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 20251?
CPT 20251 (Biopsy vrt bdy open lumbar/crv) is a Surgery code. Open surgical biopsy of vertebral body in lumbar or cervical spine region to obtain tissue sample from spinal vertebral bone. This procedure accesses cervical or lumbar spinal pathology.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 20251?
The work RVU for CPT 20251 is 5.58. This code is primarily used by Pathology, Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 20251 used?
Used to diagnose infections, malignancies, inflammatory conditions, or metabolic bone diseases affecting cervical or lumbar vertebrae.
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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.