#United States #Boston #Barricaid #Annular Closure #CPT Code

Introduction

On October 24, 2025, Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc. announced a groundbreaking development for the treatment of lumbar discectomy patients. The American Medical Association (AMA) has officially published a new Category I CPT code, 63032, to describe the use of a bone-anchored annular closure device, specifically for patients with large annular defects. Effective January 1, 2026, this code represents a significant advancement in how surgeons can document and secure reimbursement for this innovative surgical procedure.

Significance of the New CPT Code

The newly introduced CPT code 63032 is vital for surgical practices specializing in spine care. It details the adjunctive placement of the Barricaid device after a lumbar discectomy, ensuring that surgeons can clearly communicate the specifics of the procedure. As stated in the code description, this involves the repair of an annular defect through the implantation of the Barricaid device, inclusive of all imaging guidance needed during the operation.

April Spillane, Vice President of Health Economics at Intrinsic, emphasized that this milestone addresses a long-standing need within the spine community. For over two decades, there has been a push for effective solutions for patients at high risk of reherniation after discectomy. The establishment of this CPT code streamlines the process for surgeons, enhancing patient access to this advanced treatment option.

Advancements in Spinal Surgery

With the introduction of the CPT 63032 code, surgeons can now not only code for the primary discectomy procedure but also account for the subsequent implantation of the Barricaid device. This recognition of the important advances represented by Barricaid reflects its growing acceptance and adoption within clinical practice. Barricaid has consistently demonstrated its efficacy in reducing the chances of reoperations for reherniations, with results showing an 81% reduction in such events among appropriate patient populations.

Greg Lambrecht, the founder of Barricaid, shared his enthusiasm regarding the new CPT code, stating it represents a significant move toward normalizing Barricaid as the standard treatment for discectomy patients. He commended the hard work of the Intrinsic team, specialty societies, and the broader spinal surgeon community for making this development possible.

About the Barricaid Device

Designed to minimize the need for additional operations due to reherniation, Barricaid is a proprietary annular closure medical device. Clinical studies, which include randomized controlled trials and single-arm studies, have underscored the device's efficacy across a multitude of patients. As of now, Barricaid has been implanted in nearly 13,000 individuals, with data indicating favorable outcomes compared to traditional discectomy procedures. Notably, a multicenter, Level I randomized controlled trial published in JAMA revealed superior outcomes associated with Barricaid compared to discectomy alone, with long-term follow-up data reinforcing these findings. However, some of these studies exceed FDA indications for the product.

Importance of Update in Coding Systems

As the medical community embraces the ISASS 2025 guidelines, which advocate for the use of annular closure in carefully selected patients, it is paramount for both surgeons and payors to integrate this new code into their systems promptly. This shift in coding practice is not only crucial for improving patient care but also essential for the financial sustainability of surgical practices specializing in spine surgery.

In conclusion, the announcement of CPT code 63032 is a forward-thinking initiative that will likely reshape how lumbar discectomy procedures are documented and reimbursed, ultimately enhancing treatment pathways for patients and promoting better clinical outcomes.