Reimbursement
2026 Surgeon & Facility Coding Information for Cervical Total Disc Replacement with the Synergy Disc
Surgeon Coding
The CPT® (Current Procedural Terminology) codes outlined below describe the procedure to implant, revise, and/or remove a single-level cervical artificial disc (also known as total disc replacement, or TDR), including with the Synergy Disc. While the payment for these codes will ultimately be determined by each surgeon’s contracts with the commercial health plans, most commercial payers utilize relative value units (RVUs) to establish base payment rates for CPT codes. For the purposes of this guide, we include national average Medicare rates, as they are the only public-facing rates available.
| CPT Code | Descriptor |
|---|---|
| 22856 | Total disc arthroplasty (artificial disc), anterior approach, including discectomy with end plate preparation (includes osteophytectomy for nerve root or spinal cord decompression and microdissection); single interspace, cervical |
| 22861 | Revision including replacement of total disc arthroplasty (artificial disc), anterior approach, single interspace; cervical |
| 22864 | Removal of total disc arthroplasty (artificial disc), anterior approach, single interspace; cervical |
Facility & Implant Coding
Outpatient Facility Coding
CPT® 22856
The hospital outpatient department (HOPD) APC and ambulatory surgery center (ASC) national average Medicare prospective payment rates for a single-level cervical artificial disc procedure, including with the Synergy Disc, are listed under CPT code 22856. Payment for these codes will ultimately be determined by each facility’s contracts with the commercial health plans. For the purposes of this guide, we include national average Medicare rates, as they are the only public-facing rates available.
Source: CY2026 Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System.
Implant Coding
HCPCS C1889
A HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) code is required by Medicare for device-intensive procedures and may be needed by a commercial health plan to report devices used in conjunction with outpatient procedures. There is not a dedicated code for cervical total disc replacement devices, so code C1889 (Implantable/insertable device for device-intensive procedure, not otherwise classified) may be reported when required and appropriate.
Inpatient Facility Coding
MS-DRG 518
The hospital inpatient MS-DRG specific to total disc replacement procedures, including with the Synergy Disc, as well as the national average Medicare prospective payment rate, are listed under MS-DRG 518 (Back and neck procedures except spinal fusion with MCC or disc device or neurostimulator). Payment will ultimately be determined by each facility’s contracts with the commercial health plans. For the purposes of this guide, we include the national average Medicare rate, as it is the only public-facing rate available.
Source: CY2026 Medicare Inpatient Prospective Payment System.
Synergy Spine Solutions Disclaimer
The information cited in this document is for informational purposes only and is provided as a general resource for seeking coverage and payment for services related to the cervical total disc replacement procedure. It is always the responsibility of the provider to determine correct coding and to verify coverage. It is possible that the information provided here may change, and that individual health plans may provide different guidance, so we urge you to confirm each case for coding and for medical necessity with the patient’s health plan. This document represents no guarantee by Synergy Spine Solutions for coverage or payment by any health plan.
For more information, please reach out to info@synergyspinesolutions.com.
