How To Use CPT Code 62284

CPT 62284 describes the injection procedure for myelography and/or computed tomography of the lumbar spine. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 62284?

CPT 62284 can be used to describe the injection procedure for myelography and/or computed tomography of the lumbar spine. This code is used when a provider injects contrast into the subarachnoid space of the lumbar spine to conduct an imaging examination of the spinal cord, nerve roots, and membranes of the lumbar spine.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 62284 is: ‘Injection procedure for myelography and/or computed tomography, lumbar (other than C1-C2 and posterior fossa).’ It is important to note that this code should not be reported in conjunction with codes 62302, 62303, 62304, 62305, 72240, 72255, 72265, or 72270. Additionally, if both CPT 62284 and codes 72240, 72255, 72265, or 72270 are performed by the same provider for myelography, codes 62302, 62303, 62304, or 62305 should be reported instead.

3. Procedure

1. The provider assesses the patient’s condition and determines the need for myelography and/or computed tomography of the lumbar spine.
2. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
3. The provider, usually a radiologist, advances a needle into the epidural or intrathecal space of the lumbar spine.
4. The provider injects contrast material into the subarachnoid space.
5. The provider removes the needle and applies a sterile dressing.
6. Using fluoroscopy, the provider views and evaluates the spinal cord, nerve roots, meninges, and/or the entire subarachnoid space and spinal column in real time.
7. The provider takes permanent images for further analysis and diagnosis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 62284 services are those who require an injection procedure for myelography and/or computed tomography of the lumbar spine. This procedure is typically performed by a radiologist or other qualified healthcare professional. It is important to note that CPT 62284 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 62302, 62303, 62304, 62305, 72240, 72255, 72265, or 72270. Additionally, for injection procedures at C1-C2, code 61055 should be used instead.

5. When to use CPT code 62284

CPT code 62284 should be used when a provider performs an injection procedure for myelography and/or computed tomography of the lumbar spine. It is important to note that this code should not be used for myelography of the lumbar spine with radiologic supervision and interpretation (use code 72265) or computed tomography of the lumbar spine with contrast material (use code 72132).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 62284, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for myelography and/or computed tomography of the lumbar spine
• Specific details of the procedure performed, including the use of contrast material
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Fluoroscopy images and any other relevant images taken
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 62284, ensure that the procedure is performed on the lumbar spine and not on the C1-C2 or posterior fossa. It is important to note that CPT 62284 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 62302, 62303, 62304, 62305, 72240, 72255, 72265, or 72270. Additionally, if both CPT 62284 and codes 72240, 72255, 72265, or 72270 are performed by the same provider for myelography, codes 62302, 62303, 62304, or 62305 should be reported instead. It is also important to consider the location of the testing and the professional and technical components of the procedure when coding.

8. Historical information

CPT 62284 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. Since then, there have been several code changes and additions related to injection procedures for myelography and/or computed tomography of the lumbar spine.

9. Examples

1. A radiologist performing an injection procedure for myelography and computed tomography of the lumbar spine to evaluate a patient with suspected spinal cord compression.
2. A neurosurgeon administering contrast material into the subarachnoid space of the lumbar spine to conduct an imaging examination of a patient with suspected nerve root impingement.
3. An interventional radiologist performing an injection procedure for myelography and computed tomography of the lumbar spine to assess a patient with chronic back pain.
4. A pain management specialist injecting contrast material into the subarachnoid space of the lumbar spine to evaluate a patient with suspected spinal stenosis.