How To Use CPT Code 62267

CPT 62267 describes a percutaneous aspiration procedure performed by a healthcare provider for diagnostic purposes within the intervertebral discs, nucleus pulposus, or paravertebral tissue. This article will cover the official description, procedure details, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 62267?

CPT 62267 is used to describe a percutaneous aspiration procedure performed by a healthcare provider to obtain fluid or tissue samples from the intervertebral discs, nucleus pulposus, or paravertebral tissue. This procedure is primarily used for diagnostic purposes to identify the causes of disc inflammation, such as bacterial or fungal infections. It is important to note that imaging guidance should be reported separately if performed during the procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 62267 is: ‘Percutaneous aspiration within the nucleus pulposus, intervertebral disc, or paravertebral tissue for diagnostic purposes.’

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the healthcare provider positions the patient on their side or lying face down and administers a local anesthetic at the proposed puncture site.
2. Using fluoroscopy or computed tomography (CT) imaging guidance, the provider introduces a hollow needle into the spinal column at the puncture site.
3. The provider advances the needle until it is positioned within the intervertebral disc, nucleus pulposus, or paravertebral tissue.
4. Using imaging guidance, the provider verifies the correct needle placement.
5. The provider then uses the needle to aspirate fluid and/or cells, taking samples as necessary for diagnostic testing.
6. After completing the aspiration, the provider withdraws the needle and applies a sterile dressing to the puncture site.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 62267 is performed when there is a need to obtain fluid or tissue samples from the intervertebral discs, nucleus pulposus, or paravertebral tissue for diagnostic purposes. This procedure is typically used to identify the causes of disc inflammation, such as bacterial or fungal infections. It is important to note that CPT code 62267 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 10005, 10006, 10007, 10008, 10009, 10010, 10011, 10012, 20225, 62287, 62290, or 62291.

5. When to use CPT code 62267

CPT code 62267 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a percutaneous aspiration procedure within the intervertebral discs, nucleus pulposus, or paravertebral tissue for diagnostic purposes. It is important to note that imaging guidance should be reported separately if performed during the procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 62267, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the aspiration procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the puncture site and the use of imaging guidance
• Date of the procedure
• Fluid or tissue samples obtained during the procedure
• Progress made in diagnosing the patient’s condition
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 62267, ensure that the procedure is performed for diagnostic purposes within the intervertebral discs, nucleus pulposus, or paravertebral tissue. It is important to note that imaging guidance should be reported separately if performed during the procedure. CPT code 62267 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 10005, 10006, 10007, 10008, 10009, 10010, 10011, 10012, 20225, 62287, 62290, or 62291.

8. Historical information

CPT code 62267 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2009. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs a percutaneous aspiration procedure within the intervertebral discs to obtain fluid samples for diagnostic testing.
2. Using imaging guidance, a provider performs a percutaneous aspiration procedure within the paravertebral tissue to obtain tissue samples for diagnostic purposes.
3. A patient undergoes a percutaneous aspiration procedure within the nucleus pulposus to identify the cause of disc inflammation.
4. A healthcare provider performs a percutaneous aspiration procedure within the intervertebral discs to obtain fluid and tissue samples for diagnostic testing.
5. Using fluoroscopy guidance, a provider performs a percutaneous aspiration procedure within the paravertebral tissue to identify the cause of inflammation.
6. A patient undergoes a percutaneous aspiration procedure within the nucleus pulposus to obtain fluid samples for diagnostic purposes.
7. A healthcare provider performs a percutaneous aspiration procedure within the intervertebral discs to obtain tissue samples for diagnostic testing.
8. Using imaging guidance, a provider performs a percutaneous aspiration procedure within the paravertebral tissue to identify the cause of disc inflammation.
9. A patient undergoes a percutaneous aspiration procedure within the nucleus pulposus to obtain fluid and tissue samples for diagnostic purposes.
10. A healthcare provider performs a percutaneous aspiration procedure within the intervertebral discs to identify the cause of inflammation.