The 2026 CPT code set includes several additions and updates for spine procedures.
Here are seven developments to know, according to the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery:
1. Code +63032 has been established as an add-on to CPT 63030 for bone-anchored annular closure device implantation after lumbar discectomy for large annular defects.
2. The 2026 wRVU for annular closure is 2.5. Fac PE RVU is 0.79, and PLI is 0.79. The total Fac RVU is 4.08.
3. Two codes for sacroiliac joint devices and procedures have updates to their code descriptors and new guidelines. CPT code 27278 is described as “arthrodesis, sacroiliac joint, percutaneous or minimally invasive, with image guidance, includes obtaining bone graft when performed, unilateral; placement of intra-articular device(s), without cortical piercing.”
4. For CPT code 27278, the wRVU is 7.66; its total Fac RVU is 13.19, and its total non-Fac RVU is 415.34.
5. CPT code 27279 is described as “arthrodesis, sacroiliac joint, percutaneous or minimally invasive, with image guidance, includes obtaining bone graft when performed, unilateral; placement of trans-articular device(s) and/or intra-articular device(s) piercing the lateral or medial cortices of the ilium and the lateral cortex of the sacrum.”
6. For CPT code 27279, the wRVU is 11.83 and the total Fac RVU is 23.32.
7. According to ISSAS’ Jan. 26 advocacy alert, “Code 27278 describes the placement of intra-articular devices that do not pierce the cortices of the ilium or sacrum. Code 27279 describes the placement of intra-articular and/or transarticular device(s) that pierce the lateral or medial cortices of the ilium and the lateral cortex of the sacrum. Use 27279 to report hybrid SI joint fusion that consists of placement of both intra-articular and transarticular devices, at least one of which pierces the cortices.”
