22216 Incis additional spine segment
Also known as: additional vertebral segment incision drainage, per additional level vertebral body drainage
Incision and drainage of vertebral body and epidural space, each additional segment. Each additional vertebra requiring incision and drainage of body and epidural space beyond the first.
In Plain Language
additional vertebra drainage surgery
Clinical Context
Used as add-on code for each additional vertebra requiring incision and drainage of body and epidural space in multilevel infections. Appended to primary vertebral body drainage codes.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.88 |
| Total RVU | 5.88 |
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. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 5.88, this code ranks in the 39th 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 22216?
CPT 22216 (Incis additional spine segment) is a Surgery code. Incision and drainage of vertebral body and epidural space, each additional segment. Each additional vertebra requiring incision and drainage of body and epidural space beyond the first.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 22216?
The work RVU for CPT 22216 is 5.88. This code is primarily used by Spine Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery.
When is CPT 22216 used?
Used as add-on code for each additional vertebra requiring incision and drainage of body and epidural space in multilevel infections. Appended to primary vertebral body drainage codes.
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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.