How To Use CPT Code 62326

CPT 62326 describes the injection of a diagnostic or therapeutic substance into the space around the spinal nerves of the lumbar or sacral region, without the use of imaging guidance. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 62326?

CPT 62326 can be used to describe the injection of a diagnostic or therapeutic substance into the interlaminar epidural or subarachnoid space in the lumbar or sacral region. This procedure does not involve the use of imaging guidance and is typically performed to provide pain relief or other therapeutic benefits to the patient.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 62326 is: ‘Injection(s), including indwelling catheter placement, continuous infusion or intermittent bolus, of diagnostic or therapeutic substance(s) (eg, anesthetic, antispasmodic, opioid, steroid, other solution), not including neurolytic substances, interlaminar epidural or subarachnoid, lumbar or sacral (caudal); without imaging guidance.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and administers local anesthesia to the injection site.
2. Using a needle, the provider advances towards the interlaminar epidural or subarachnoid space in the lumbar or sacral region.
3. Once the needle is properly positioned, the provider may insert a catheter for continuous infusion or administer the substance as an intermittent bolus.
4. The substance injected can be a diagnostic agent to aid in the identification of the patient’s condition or a therapeutic substance to provide pain relief or other therapeutic benefits.
5. The provider ensures the catheter is securely in place for subsequent infusions or bolus injections.
6. After the procedure, the provider monitors the patient for a period of time and flushes the site with sterile saline.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 62326 is typically performed on patients who require diagnostic or therapeutic injections in the lumbar or sacral region. The procedure is not performed with the use of imaging guidance and does not involve the injection of neurolytic substances. The specific substances injected can include anesthetics, antispasmodics, opioids, steroids, or other solutions.

5. When to use CPT code 62326

CPT code 62326 should be used when a provider performs an injection of a diagnostic or therapeutic substance into the interlaminar epidural or subarachnoid space in the lumbar or sacral region without the use of imaging guidance. It is important to ensure that the substance injected is not a neurolytic substance, as this would require a different code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 62326, the provider must document the following information:

• The specific substance injected and its purpose (diagnostic or therapeutic)
• The location of the injection (interlaminar epidural or subarachnoid space)
• The date and time of the procedure
• The duration of the procedure
• Any complications or adverse reactions
• The patient’s response to the injection
• Any subsequent infusions or bolus injections
• The provider’s signature

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 62326, it is important to ensure that the procedure was performed without the use of imaging guidance. If imaging guidance was used, a different code should be reported. Additionally, it is important to note that CPT code 62326 should not be reported with other codes for neurolytic substances or injections performed in different regions of the spine.

8. Historical information

CPT 62326 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2017. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider administers an epidural steroid injection into the lumbar region of a patient with chronic back pain.
2. A provider injects an anesthetic solution into the sacral region of a patient undergoing a surgical procedure.
3. A provider administers a therapeutic substance to the interlaminar epidural space in the lumbar region to alleviate pain in a patient with sciatica.
4. A provider performs a diagnostic injection into the subarachnoid space in the sacral region to aid in the diagnosis of a patient’s neurological condition.
5. A provider administers an antispasmodic solution into the interlaminar epidural space in the lumbar region to relieve muscle spasms in a patient with a spinal disorder.
6. A provider injects a steroid solution into the sacral region of a patient with inflammation in the lower back.
7. A provider performs a diagnostic injection into the subarachnoid space in the lumbar region to assess the patient’s cerebrospinal fluid.
8. A provider administers an opioid solution into the interlaminar epidural space in the sacral region to manage pain in a patient with cancer.
9. A provider injects a therapeutic substance into the lumbar region to alleviate pain in a patient with degenerative disc disease.
10. A provider performs a diagnostic injection into the subarachnoid space in the sacral region to evaluate the patient’s spinal cord function.