How To Use CPT Code 0214T

CPT 0214T describes the injection of a diagnostic or therapeutic agent into an additional cervical or thoracic paravertebral facet joint or the nerves innervating that joint, using ultrasound guidance. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0214T?

CPT 0214T can be used to describe the injection of a diagnostic or therapeutic agent into an additional cervical or thoracic paravertebral facet joint or the nerves that innervate that joint. This code is used when the provider uses ultrasound guidance to administer the drug, either for pain relief or as an anesthetic for a surgical procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0214T is: ‘Injection(s), diagnostic or therapeutic agent, paravertebral facet (zygapophyseal) joint (or nerves innervating that joint) with ultrasound guidance, cervical or thoracic; second level (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ Notes: (Use 0214T in conjunction with 0213T) (For bilateral procedure, report 0214T twice. Do not report modifier 50 in conjunction with 0214T).

3. Procedure

1. The provider administers a diagnostic or therapeutic agent into an additional cervical or thoracic paravertebral facet joint or the nerves that exit the joint.
2. The procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate placement of the needle.
3. The provider inserts the needle at the desired level and administers the drug into the paravertebral facet joint or the nerves and branches that innervate the joint.
4. The drug administered may include pain relievers or anesthetic agents.
5. The procedure may be performed to relieve pain or as part of a surgical procedure requiring anesthesia.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 0214T services are those who require the injection of a diagnostic or therapeutic agent into an additional cervical or thoracic paravertebral facet joint or the nerves innervating that joint. This procedure is typically performed for pain relief or as an anesthetic for a surgical procedure. The provider must use ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate placement of the needle.

5. When to use CPT code 0214T

CPT code 0214T should be used when the provider administers a diagnostic or therapeutic agent into an additional cervical or thoracic paravertebral facet joint or the nerves innervating that joint, using ultrasound guidance. This code should be used in conjunction with the primary procedure code, and if the procedure is performed bilaterally, it should be reported twice without modifier 50.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 0214T, the provider must document the following information:

• The specific level of the cervical or thoracic vertebra where the injection was administered
• The type of diagnostic or therapeutic agent used
• The use of ultrasound guidance for accurate needle placement
• The date and time of the procedure
• The purpose of the injection (pain relief or anesthesia for a surgical procedure)
• Any complications or adverse reactions
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 0214T, ensure that the procedure is performed using ultrasound guidance and that the documentation supports the use of this code. It should be reported in conjunction with the primary procedure code (0213T) and if performed bilaterally, reported twice without modifier 50. It is important to note that payers may not reimburse for CPT 0214T if it is reported without an appropriate primary code.

8. Historical information

CPT 0214T 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 administers a diagnostic agent into an additional cervical paravertebral facet joint under ultrasound guidance for pain relief.
2. A patient undergoes a surgical procedure, and the provider administers an anesthetic agent into an additional thoracic paravertebral facet joint using ultrasound guidance.
3. A diagnostic agent is injected into an additional cervical paravertebral facet joint to determine the cause of a patient’s chronic neck pain, with ultrasound guidance.
4. A provider administers a therapeutic agent into an additional thoracic paravertebral facet joint under ultrasound guidance to manage a patient’s chronic back pain.
5. An anesthetic agent is injected into an additional cervical paravertebral facet joint using ultrasound guidance to provide anesthesia for a surgical procedure.
6. A patient receives a diagnostic agent injection into an additional thoracic paravertebral facet joint to assess the cause of their persistent mid-back pain, with ultrasound guidance.
7. A provider administers a therapeutic agent into an additional cervical paravertebral facet joint under ultrasound guidance to alleviate a patient’s acute neck pain.
8. An anesthetic agent is injected into an additional thoracic paravertebral facet joint using ultrasound guidance to provide anesthesia for a surgical procedure.
9. A diagnostic agent is injected into an additional cervical paravertebral facet joint to evaluate the cause of a patient’s recurring neck pain, with ultrasound guidance.
10. A provider administers a therapeutic agent into an additional thoracic paravertebral facet joint under ultrasound guidance to manage a patient’s chronic upper back pain.