63170 Incise spinal cord tract(s)
Also known as: spinal cord incision, myelotomy, syrinx drainage
Incision and drainage of the spinal cord or myelotomy. This procedure involves surgical incision into the spinal cord tissue itself, typically for syrinx drainage or myelotomy to treat pain or restore function.
In Plain Language
surgical opening of spinal cord; spinal fluid collection drainage
Clinical Context
Used for post-traumatic syrinx, syringomyelia, or spinal cord pain when myelotomy is indicated, particularly in tethered spinal cord or severe neuropathic pain syndromes.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 21.65 |
| Total RVU | 21.65 |
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 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 21.65, this code ranks in the 84th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.7x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 63170?
CPT 63170 (Incise spinal cord tract(s)) is a Surgery code. Incision and drainage of the spinal cord or myelotomy. This procedure involves surgical incision into the spinal cord tissue itself, typically for syrinx drainage or myelotomy to treat pain or restore function.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 63170?
The work RVU for CPT 63170 is 21.65. This code is primarily used by Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 63170 used?
Used for post-traumatic syrinx, syringomyelia, or spinal cord pain when myelotomy is indicated, particularly in tethered spinal cord or severe neuropathic pain syndromes.
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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.