How To Use CPT Code 0213T

CPT 0213T describes the injection of a diagnostic or therapeutic agent into a single cervical or thoracic paravertebral facet joint or the nerves that supply the joint, under ultrasound guidance. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0213T?

CPT 0213T can be used to describe the injection of a diagnostic or therapeutic agent into a single cervical or thoracic paravertebral facet joint or the nerves that innervate the joint, using ultrasound guidance. This code is used when the provider aims to relieve pain or administer an anesthetic for a surgical procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0213T is: ‘Injection(s), diagnostic or therapeutic agent, paravertebral facet (zygapophyseal) joint (or nerves innervating that joint) with ultrasound guidance, cervical or thoracic; single level.’ It is important to note that if the procedure is performed bilaterally, modifier 50 should be appended to the code.

3. Procedure

1. The provider inserts a needle under ultrasound guidance into a single cervical or thoracic paravertebral facet joint or the nerves that supply the joint.
2. A diagnostic or therapeutic agent is injected into the joint or nerves to relieve pain or administer an anesthetic for a surgical procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 0213T services are those who require the injection of a diagnostic or therapeutic agent into a single cervical or thoracic paravertebral facet joint or the nerves that innervate the joint. This procedure is typically performed to relieve pain or administer an anesthetic for a surgical procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 0213T

CPT code 0213T should be used when a provider performs the injection of a diagnostic or therapeutic agent into a single cervical or thoracic paravertebral facet joint or the nerves that supply the joint, using ultrasound guidance. This code is specific to a single level injection. If the procedure is performed bilaterally, modifier 50 should be appended to the code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 0213T, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the injection and the need for diagnostic or therapeutic intervention
• Specific cervical or thoracic paravertebral facet joint or nerves targeted for the injection
• Date of the procedure and the use of ultrasound guidance
• Type and amount of diagnostic or therapeutic agent injected
• Response of the patient to the injection, including any relief of pain or improvement in symptoms
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 0213T, ensure that the injection is performed into a single cervical or thoracic paravertebral facet joint or the nerves that supply the joint, using ultrasound guidance. If the procedure is performed bilaterally, modifier 50 should be appended to the code. It is important to note that CPT code 0213T should not be reported if CPT codes 0214T or 0215T are already performed in the previous seven days. Additionally, consider the location of the testing and use the appropriate modifiers for reporting the professional and technical components.

8. Historical information

CPT 0213T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2011. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider injects a diagnostic agent into a single cervical paravertebral facet joint under ultrasound guidance to determine the cause of the patient’s neck pain.
2. Using ultrasound guidance, a provider administers a therapeutic agent into a single thoracic paravertebral facet joint to alleviate the patient’s chronic back pain.
3. A patient undergoes an injection of a diagnostic agent into the nerves that innervate a single cervical paravertebral facet joint to identify the source of their radiating arm pain.
4. Under ultrasound guidance, a provider performs a therapeutic injection into the nerves supplying a single thoracic paravertebral facet joint to manage the patient’s persistent chest wall pain.
5. A provider administers an anesthetic agent into a single cervical paravertebral facet joint under ultrasound guidance to provide pain relief during a surgical procedure on the adjacent vertebrae.
6. Using ultrasound guidance, a provider injects a diagnostic agent into the nerves innervating a single thoracic paravertebral facet joint to assess the patient’s chronic rib pain.
7. A patient receives a therapeutic injection into a single cervical paravertebral facet joint under ultrasound guidance to alleviate their recurring headaches.
8. Under ultrasound guidance, a provider performs an injection of a diagnostic agent into the nerves supplying a single thoracic paravertebral facet joint to determine the cause of the patient’s mid-back pain.
9. A provider administers an anesthetic agent into a single cervical paravertebral facet joint under ultrasound guidance to provide pain relief during a surgical procedure on the adjacent vertebrae.
10. Using ultrasound guidance, a provider injects a diagnostic agent into the nerves innervating a single thoracic paravertebral facet joint to assess the patient’s chronic rib pain.