How To Use CPT Code 0217T

CPT 0217T describes the injection of a diagnostic or therapeutic agent into an additional lumbar or sacral paravertebral facet joint or the nerves that innervate that joint under 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 0217T?

CPT 0217T can be used to describe the injection of a diagnostic or therapeutic agent into an additional lumbar or sacral paravertebral facet joint or the nerves that innervate that joint. This code is used when the provider administers the drug under ultrasound guidance to relieve pain or administer an anesthetic for a surgical procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0217T is: ‘Injection(s), diagnostic or therapeutic agent, paravertebral facet (zygapophyseal) joint (or nerves innervating that joint) with ultrasound guidance, lumbar or sacral; second level (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)’

3. Procedure

1. The provider inserts a needle under ultrasound guidance at another level of the lumbar or sacral vertebrae.
2. The provider administers the diagnostic or therapeutic drug into the facet joint or the nerves and branches that innervate the joint.
3. The procedure is performed to relieve pain or administer an anesthetic for a surgical procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 0217T services are those who require the injection of a diagnostic or therapeutic agent into an additional lumbar or sacral paravertebral facet joint or the nerves that innervate that joint. This procedure is commonly performed to relieve pain or administer an anesthetic for a surgical procedure. The provider must use ultrasound guidance during the injection.

5. When to use CPT code 0217T

CPT code 0217T should be used when the provider administers a diagnostic or therapeutic agent into an additional lumbar or sacral paravertebral facet joint or the nerves that innervate that joint. This code should be used in addition to the primary procedure code. It is important to note that modifier 50 should not be used with CPT code 0217T when reporting a bilateral procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0217T, the provider must document the following information:

• Specific level of the lumbar or sacral vertebrae where the injection was performed
• Type of diagnostic or therapeutic agent administered
• Date and time of the procedure
• Reason for the injection, such as pain relief or administration of an anesthetic
• Use of ultrasound guidance during the injection
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0217T, ensure that the provider performs the injection into an additional lumbar or sacral paravertebral facet joint or the nerves that innervate that joint under ultrasound guidance. This code should be reported in addition to the primary procedure code. Modifier 50 should not be used when reporting a bilateral procedure with CPT code 0217T. It is important to report the appropriate primary code (CPT code 0216T) when using CPT code 0217T.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0217T 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 lumbar paravertebral facet joint under ultrasound guidance to determine the cause of a patient’s back pain.
2. A provider injects a therapeutic agent into the nerves that innervate an additional sacral paravertebral facet joint under ultrasound guidance to relieve a patient’s chronic pain.
3. A provider administers an anesthetic agent into an additional lumbar paravertebral facet joint under ultrasound guidance to prepare a patient for a surgical procedure.
4. A provider injects a diagnostic agent into the nerves that innervate an additional sacral paravertebral facet joint under ultrasound guidance to diagnose the cause of a patient’s leg pain.
5. A provider administers a therapeutic agent into an additional lumbar paravertebral facet joint under ultrasound guidance to alleviate a patient’s acute back pain.
6. A provider injects an anesthetic agent into the nerves that innervate an additional sacral paravertebral facet joint under ultrasound guidance to provide pain relief during a surgical procedure.
7. A provider administers a diagnostic agent into an additional lumbar paravertebral facet joint under ultrasound guidance to determine the cause of a patient’s sciatica.
8. A provider injects a therapeutic agent into the nerves that innervate an additional sacral paravertebral facet joint under ultrasound guidance to manage a patient’s chronic pelvic pain.
9. A provider administers an anesthetic agent into an additional lumbar paravertebral facet joint under ultrasound guidance to provide pain relief during a minimally invasive spinal procedure.
10. A provider injects a diagnostic agent into the nerves that innervate an additional sacral paravertebral facet joint under ultrasound guidance to diagnose the cause of a patient’s lower back and leg pain.