63172 Drainage of spinal cyst
Also known as: cervical syrinx drainage, cervical cyst drainage, cervical myelotomy
Drainage of spinal cord cyst in the cervical region. This procedure involves accessing and draining cerebrospinal fluid-containing cysts within or adjacent to the cervical spinal cord.
In Plain Language
draining fluid collection in neck spinal cord
Clinical Context
Used for symptomatic post-traumatic or idiopathic cervical syrinx causing myelopathic symptoms, often following tethered cord release or for progressive syringomyelia.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 19.27 |
| Total RVU | 19.27 |
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 19.27, this code ranks in the 81st percentile among Surgery codes — 2.4x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 63172?
CPT 63172 (Drainage of spinal cyst) is a Surgery code. Drainage of spinal cord cyst in the cervical region. This procedure involves accessing and draining cerebrospinal fluid-containing cysts within or adjacent to the cervical spinal cord.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 63172?
The work RVU for CPT 63172 is 19.27. This code is primarily used by Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 63172 used?
Used for symptomatic post-traumatic or idiopathic cervical syrinx causing myelopathic symptoms, often following tethered cord release or for progressive syringomyelia.
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against MGMA data — all in one app.
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.