How To Use CPT Code 62303

CPT 62303 describes the procedure of myelography via lumbar injection, including radiological supervision and interpretation, specifically in the thoracic region. 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 62303?

CPT 62303 is used to describe the administration of contrast through an injection into the lumbar area of the spine for myelography. This procedure allows healthcare providers to visualize and examine the spinal structures, including the spinal cord, nerve roots, and other related components in the thoracic region. The provider also performs radiological supervision and interpretation of the procedure to provide an accurate diagnosis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 62303 is: ‘Myelography via lumbar injection, including radiological supervision and interpretation; thoracic.’ It is important to note that this code should not be reported in conjunction with codes 62284, 62302, 62304, 62305, 72240, 72255, 72265, or 72270.

3. Procedure

1. The procedure begins with the appropriate preparation and anesthesia of the patient.
2. The healthcare provider then administers an injection of contrast into the subarachnoid space in the lumbar region of the spine.
3. The contrast spreads along the length of the spinal cord, allowing the provider to visualize and examine the spinal structures in the thoracic region.
4. Imaging, typically fluoroscopy, is used to view and examine the spinal cord, nerve roots, and other related structures.
5. The provider performs radiological supervision and interpretation of the procedure, documenting their findings and providing an accurate diagnosis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 62303 is performed on patients who require myelography via lumbar injection in the thoracic region. It is important to note that this code should not be reported in conjunction with codes 62284, 62302, 62304, 62305, 72240, 72255, 72265, or 72270.

5. When to use CPT code 62303

CPT code 62303 should be used when a healthcare provider performs myelography via lumbar injection specifically in the thoracic region. It is important to ensure that this code is not reported with any of the excluded codes mentioned in the official description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 62303, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Details of the patient’s preparation and anesthesia
• Description of the lumbar injection procedure
• Documentation of the contrast spreading along the spinal cord
• Imaging findings and interpretation
• Accurate diagnosis based on the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 62303, it is important to ensure that the procedure is performed in the thoracic region and that radiological supervision and interpretation are included. This code should not be reported in conjunction with codes 62284, 62302, 62304, 62305, 72240, 72255, 72265, or 72270.

8. Historical information

CPT 62303 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2015. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider administers a lumbar injection of contrast to a patient and performs myelography in the thoracic region to visualize and examine the spinal structures.
2. During the procedure, the provider uses fluoroscopy to view and examine the spinal cord, nerve roots, and related components in the thoracic region.
3. The provider documents their findings and provides an accurate diagnosis based on the myelography procedure.
4. Another healthcare provider performs radiological supervision and interpretation of the myelography procedure, ensuring an accurate diagnosis.
5. A patient undergoes myelography via lumbar injection specifically in the thoracic region to aid in the diagnosis of their spinal condition.
6. The healthcare provider administers the contrast injection and uses imaging to visualize and examine the spinal structures in the thoracic region.
7. Based on the myelography procedure, the provider documents their findings and provides an accurate diagnosis.
8. Another healthcare provider performs radiological supervision and interpretation of the myelography procedure, ensuring an accurate diagnosis.
9. A lumbar injection of contrast is administered to a patient, and myelography is performed in the thoracic region to assess the spinal structures.
10. The provider uses fluoroscopy to visualize and examine the spinal cord, nerve roots, and other related components in the thoracic region.