How To Use CPT Code 62272

CPT 62272 describes the therapeutic procedure of spinal puncture for the drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using a needle or catheter. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 62272, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 62272?

CPT 62272 is used to describe a therapeutic procedure known as spinal puncture, which involves the drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the subarachnoid space using a needle or catheter. This procedure is commonly referred to as a spinal tap and is performed to reduce CSF pressure on the brain.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 62272 is: ‘Spinal puncture, therapeutic, for drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (by needle or catheter).’ This code does not include imaging guidance.

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the patient is positioned on their side with their knees pulled up to their chest or sitting and leaning forward on a stable surface.
2. The provider administers a local anesthetic at the proposed puncture site, infiltrating the skin and deeper tissue.
3. A needle or catheter is inserted between the vertebrae, through the dura, and into the subarachnoid space.
4. If necessary, a manometer may be attached to measure the pressure of the CSF.
5. The provider may withdraw the CSF through the needle, insert a catheter to drain the CSF, or allow it to drip out of the needle and collect a small amount for testing.
6. The collected CSF is sent to the laboratory for further analysis.
7. After the procedure, the provider withdraws the needle and applies a sterile dressing. The patient may be advised to lie flat to reduce the risk of a headache or fluid leakage.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 62272 is performed on patients who require therapeutic drainage of CSF. This procedure is typically indicated for conditions that result in increased CSF pressure on the brain. The provider must position the patient correctly, administer local anesthesia, and perform the puncture using a needle or catheter.

5. When to use CPT code 62272

CPT code 62272 should be used when a therapeutic spinal puncture is performed to drain CSF using a needle or catheter. It is important to note that this code does not include imaging guidance. If imaging guidance is used during the procedure, separate codes should be reported.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 62272, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the medical necessity for therapeutic spinal puncture
• Details of the procedure, including the specific location of the puncture, use of local anesthesia, and method of CSF drainage
• Any additional procedures performed during the same session
• Results of any tests conducted on the collected CSF
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 62272, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the official description. It is important to note that this code does not include imaging guidance. If imaging guidance is used, separate codes should be reported. Additionally, be aware of any specific payer guidelines or requirements for reporting this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 62272 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2002, with an updated description.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a therapeutic spinal puncture to drain CSF from a patient with increased intracranial pressure.
2. During a spinal tap procedure, a provider drains CSF from a patient with suspected meningitis for diagnostic purposes.
3. A patient with hydrocephalus undergoes a therapeutic spinal puncture to relieve CSF pressure on the brain.
4. A provider performs a spinal tap to drain CSF and administer medication directly into the subarachnoid space for pain management.
5. During a therapeutic spinal puncture, a provider drains CSF to relieve symptoms in a patient with pseudotumor cerebri.
6. A patient with a CSF leak undergoes a therapeutic spinal puncture to drain excess fluid and prevent further leakage.
7. A provider performs a spinal tap to drain CSF and measure intracranial pressure in a patient with suspected intracranial hypertension.
8. During a therapeutic spinal puncture, a provider drains CSF to alleviate symptoms in a patient with normal pressure hydrocephalus.
9. A patient with a spinal cord injury undergoes a therapeutic spinal puncture to drain CSF and reduce pressure on the spinal cord.
10. A provider performs a spinal tap to drain CSF and administer chemotherapy directly into the subarachnoid space for the treatment of central nervous system malignancies.