How To Use CPT Code 62273

CPT 62273 describes the procedure of injecting a patient’s own blood to seal a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak caused by a spinal needle. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 62273?

CPT 62273 can be used to describe the injection of a patient’s own blood to seal a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak that is often caused by a spinal needle. This procedure is performed to treat a post-spinal headache, which occurs when there is a hole or tear in the dura, the lining around the spinal cord, leading to the leakage of spinal fluid.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 62273 is: ‘Injection, epidural, of blood or clot patch.’ This code is used when a provider administers a blood patch to seal a spinal fluid leak caused by a spinal needle.

3. Procedure

1. In this procedure, the patient is positioned on their side with their knees pulled up to the chest or sitting and leaning forward on a stable surface.
2. The provider cleans the area with an antiseptic solution and numbs it with a local anesthetic.
3. A needle is inserted into the patient’s arm, and a small amount of blood is withdrawn.
4. The provider then injects the blood into the epidural space at the level of the leak, clotting and sealing the hole in the dura.
5. After the injection, the needle is withdrawn, and a sterile dressing is applied.
6. The patient is instructed to lay flat for a period of time and then slowly raise their head to a sitting position.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 62273 is performed when there is a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak caused by a spinal needle. This procedure is typically carried out by an anesthesia provider to seal the hole or tear in the dura. It is important to note that this code should not be used for the injection of diagnostic or therapeutic substances, as there are separate codes for those procedures.

5. When to use CPT code 62273

CPT code 62273 should be used when a provider performs an epidural injection of the patient’s own blood to seal a CSF leak caused by a spinal needle. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 62273, the provider must document the following information:

• The presence of a CSF leak caused by a spinal needle
• The use of the patient’s own blood for the injection
• The date and time of the procedure
• The specific location of the injection
• The technique used to perform the injection
• Any additional relevant details or complications

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 62273, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. This code should not be reported with other codes for the injection of diagnostic or therapeutic substances. Providers should follow the appropriate coding guidelines and modifiers when submitting claims for this procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 62273 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient experiences a CSF leak after a spinal needle is used during a procedure. The provider performs an epidural injection of the patient’s own blood to seal the leak and alleviate the post-spinal headache.
2. Following a lumbar puncture, a patient develops a CSF leak. The provider administers an epidural injection of the patient’s own blood to seal the leak and relieve the associated symptoms.
3. During an epidural anesthesia procedure, a patient develops a CSF leak. The provider performs an epidural injection of the patient’s own blood to seal the leak and prevent further complications.
4. After a spinal injection, a patient experiences a CSF leak. The provider administers an epidural injection of the patient’s own blood to seal the leak and promote healing.
5. A patient presents with a post-spinal headache caused by a CSF leak. The provider performs an epidural injection of the patient’s own blood to seal the leak and provide relief from the headache.
6. Following a spinal procedure, a patient develops a CSF leak. The provider administers an epidural injection of the patient’s own blood to seal the leak and prevent infection.
7. A patient experiences persistent symptoms due to a CSF leak after a spinal needle is used. The provider performs an epidural injection of the patient’s own blood to seal the leak and improve the patient’s condition.
8. During a spinal anesthesia procedure, a patient develops a CSF leak. The provider administers an epidural injection of the patient’s own blood to seal the leak and restore normal spinal fluid levels.
9. Following a lumbar puncture, a patient develops a CSF leak. The provider performs an epidural injection of the patient’s own blood to seal the leak and prevent further complications.
10. A patient presents with a post-spinal headache caused by a CSF leak. The provider administers an epidural injection of the patient’s own blood to seal the leak and provide relief from the headache.