CPT® Code 20939

Add-On Code

Bone marrow aspiration for bone grafting, spine surgery only, through separate skin or fascial incision (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

The procedure described by CPT® Code 20939 involves the aspiration of bone marrow specifically for the purpose of bone grafting in spinal surgery. This technique is crucial as it provides a source of osteoprogenitor cells, which are essential for the regeneration and healing of bone tissue. The aspiration is performed through a separate skin or fascial incision, ensuring that the harvested bone marrow is not contaminated or diluted with peripheral blood, which could compromise the quality of the graft. Typically, the anterior or posterior iliac crest is the preferred site for this procedure, although other anatomical locations, such as the vertebral body, may also be utilized depending on the clinical scenario. The process requires careful technique to minimize complications and maximize the yield of bone marrow cells. During the aspiration, the bone marrow is collected directly into syringes that have been prepped with heparinized saline to prevent clotting. This code is reported in addition to the primary procedure code, highlighting its role as a supplementary intervention in spinal surgeries.