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CPT®
63196

CPT® Code 63196
Deleted

Official Description

Laminectomy with cordotomy, with section of both spinothalamic tracts, 1 stage; cervical

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 63196 refers to a laminectomy with cordotomy, specifically targeting the cervical region of the spinal cord. A laminectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a portion of the vertebral bone called the lamina, which is part of the spinal canal. This is done to access the spinal cord and its associated structures. Cordotomy, on the other hand, is a neurosurgical procedure aimed at interrupting pain pathways within the spinal cord. In this case, the anterior spinothalamic tract, which is responsible for transmitting pain and temperature sensations, is selectively destroyed. This procedure can be performed in a single stage, meaning that both the laminectomy and cordotomy are completed in one surgical session. It can also be executed unilaterally or bilaterally, depending on the patient's specific condition and the extent of pain being treated. The spinothalamic tract is located on both sides of the spinal cord, and its disruption can significantly alleviate severe pain, particularly in patients suffering from terminal malignancies. However, due to advancements in pain management techniques, the use of cordotomy has become less common, primarily reserved for cases of severe unilateral pain in terminally ill patients. The surgical approach involves making an incision over the cervical or thoracic spine, extending down to the spinous processes, retracting the muscles, and using a bone drill to remove the lamina to expose the spinal cord for the procedure.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 63196 is indicated for specific conditions where severe pain management is necessary, particularly in terminally ill patients. The following are the explicitly provided indications for performing this procedure:

  • Severe Unilateral Pain This procedure is primarily indicated for patients experiencing severe unilateral pain, often associated with malignancies.
  • Terminal Illness Cordotomy is typically reserved for patients who are terminally ill, where pain relief is a critical component of palliative care.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several key steps that are crucial for its successful execution. Each step is detailed as follows:

  • Step 1: Incision The surgical process begins with an incision made over the vertebra in the cervical or thoracic spine, depending on the location of the pain. This incision is carefully extended down to the spinous processes to provide adequate access to the underlying structures.
  • Step 2: Muscle Retraction Once the incision is made, the surrounding muscles are retracted away from the lamina and facet joint. This retraction is essential to expose the bony structures of the spine without causing unnecessary damage to the muscle tissue.
  • Step 3: Laminectomy A bone drill is then utilized to remove part or all of the lamina, which is the bony arch of the vertebra. This step is critical as it allows for the exposure of the spinal cord, which is necessary for the subsequent steps of the procedure.
  • Step 4: Identification and Sectioning of the Spinothalamic Tract After the spinal cord is exposed, the surgeon identifies the spinothalamic tract, which is located in the anterolateral aspect of the spinal cord. The tract is then carefully cut to disrupt the pain-transmitting pathways, effectively performing the cordotomy.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following a laminectomy with cordotomy involves monitoring the patient for any complications that may arise from the surgery. Patients may experience immediate relief from pain, but they should be observed for any neurological deficits or signs of infection at the surgical site. Recovery may vary depending on the individual’s overall health and the extent of the procedure performed. Pain management strategies will be adjusted as necessary, and follow-up appointments will be scheduled to assess the effectiveness of the procedure and the patient's recovery progress.
Short Descr INCISE SPINE&CORD 2 TRX CRVL
Medium Descr LAM CORDOTOMY SCTJ BOTH SPINOTHALMIC TRACTS CRV
Long Descr Laminectomy with cordotomy, with section of both spinothalamic tracts, 1 stage; cervical
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1F - Major procedure - explor/decompr/excis disc
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 3 - Laminectomy, excision intervertebral disc
Date
Action
Notes
2021-12-31 Deleted Code deleted
2013-01-01 Note Short Descriptor changed.
2009-01-01 Changed Code description changed
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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