Table 1

Procedures and CPT codes used in the survey.

ProcedureDescriptionWork RVUsa
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusionTransforaminal lumbar interbody fusion; 1 interspace (CPT Code 22630)—with posterior nonsegmental instrumentation (CPT Code 22840)—with insertion of interbody device (CPT Code 22853)—with placement of spine autograft (CPT Codes 20936)38.86
Posterior/posterolateral arthrodesis 1 levelb Posterior/posterolateral arthrodesis; lumbar; 1 interspace (CPT Code 22612)—with placement of posterior nonsegmental instrumentation (CPT Code 22840)—with placement of spine autograft (CPT Code 20937)38.84
Posterior arthrodesis for spinal deformity up to 6 vertebral segmentsPosterior arthrodesis for spinal deformity up to 6 vertebral segments (CPT Code 22800)—with posterior segmental instrumentation (CPT Code 22842)—with placement of spine autograft (CPT Code 20937)34.85
Posterior arthrodesis for spinal deformity 7–12 vertebral segmentsPosterior arthrodesis for spinal deformity 7–12 vertebral segments (CPT Code 22802)—with posterior segmental instrumentation (CPT Code 22843)—with spine autograft (CPT Code 20937)48.34
Posterior osteotomyPosterior osteotomy of the lumbar spine (CPT Code 22214)—with laminectomy and spinal cord decompression, lumbar (CPT Code 63047)—with placement of posterior nonsegmental instrumentation (CPT Code 22840)41.23
LaminectomyLaminectomy and spinal cord decompression, lumbar (CPT Code 63047)15.37
Interlaminar stabilization device without fusionInsertion of interlaminar stabilization device without fusion, with open decompression, lumbar, single level (CPT Code 22867)15.00
Posterior/posterolateral arthrodesis 2 levelsc Posterolateral arthrodesis; lumbar; 1 interspace (CPT Code 22612) with posterolateral arthrodesis; lumbar, additional interspace (CPT Code 22614)—with posterior segmental instrumentation (CPT Code 22842)—with placement of spine autograft (CPT Code 20937)45.31
Posterior vertebral joint arthroplastyPosterior vertebral joint(s) arthroplasty (eg, facet joint[s] replacement), including facetectomy, laminectomy, foraminotomy, and vertebral column fixation, injection of bone cement, when performed, including fluoroscopy, single level, lumbar spine (CPT Code 0202T)39.47d
  • a Representative of 2023 work relative value units. Source: Medicare Physician Fee Schedule 2023.

  • b Stabilizing/fusing 2 vertebrae to stop the motion at 1 segment or interspace. For example, a L4-L5 fusion is a 1-level spinal fusion.

  • c Stabilizing/fusing 3 vertebrae to stop the motion at 2 segments or interspaces. For example, a L3-L5 fusion is a 2-level spinal fusion.

  • d Not included in the regression analysis; the relative value units were estimated by regression analysis.