How To Use CPT Code 62327

CPT 62327 describes the injection of a diagnostic or therapeutic substance into the space around the spinal nerves of the lumbar or sacral region, using continuous infusion or intermittent boluses, with 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 62327?

CPT 62327 can be used to describe the injection of a diagnostic or therapeutic substance into the interlaminar epidural or subarachnoid space of the lumbar or sacral region. This procedure is performed using continuous infusion or intermittent boluses, with the guidance of imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy or CT scans.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 62327 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); with imaging guidance (ie, fluoroscopy or CT)’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and administers local anesthesia to the injection site.
2. Using imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy or CT scans, the provider advances a needle into the interlaminar epidural or subarachnoid space of 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 intermittent boluses.
4. The substance injected can be a diagnostic or therapeutic solution, such as an anesthetic, antispasmodic, opioid, steroid, or other appropriate medication.
5. The provider ensures the correct placement of the catheter or the substance and avoids any damage to nearby nerve roots or the spinal cord.
6. After the procedure, the provider monitors the patient for a specific period of time and flushes the site with sterile saline.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 62327 is performed on patients who require the injection of a diagnostic or therapeutic substance into the interlaminar epidural or subarachnoid space of the lumbar or sacral region. The procedure is typically used for pain management or to administer medication directly to the affected area. It is important to note that neurolytic substances are not included in this code.

5. When to use CPT code 62327

CPT code 62327 should be used when a provider performs an injection of a diagnostic or therapeutic substance into the interlaminar epidural or subarachnoid space of the lumbar or sacral region, using continuous infusion or intermittent boluses, with the guidance of imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy or CT scans.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 62327, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the injection and the medical necessity
• Specific substance injected and its purpose (diagnostic or therapeutic)
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Imaging guidance used (fluoroscopy or CT)
• Confirmation of proper needle placement and avoidance of nerve or spinal cord injury
• Details of any catheter placement or continuous infusion
• Monitoring time and any post-procedure care provided
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 62327, ensure that the procedure is performed with imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or CT). Do not report CPT 62327 in conjunction with codes 77003, 77012, or 76942. If the procedure involves daily hospital management of continuous epidural or subarachnoid drug administration, report code 01996 in addition to the appropriate code for the injection procedure (62324, 62325, 62326, or 62327).

8. Historical information

CPT 62327 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 performs an injection of an anesthetic solution into the interlaminar epidural space of the lumbar region, using continuous infusion, to manage a patient’s chronic back pain.
2. Using intermittent boluses, a provider administers a steroid solution into the subarachnoid space of the sacral region, with imaging guidance, to reduce inflammation and alleviate a patient’s sciatica symptoms.
3. Under fluoroscopy, a provider injects an antispasmodic solution into the interlaminar epidural space of the lumbar region, using continuous infusion, to relieve a patient’s muscle spasms caused by a spinal condition.
4. Using CT guidance, a provider administers an opioid solution into the subarachnoid space of the sacral region, in intermittent boluses, to manage a patient’s severe chronic pain.
5. A provider performs an injection of a steroid solution into the interlaminar epidural space of the lumbar region, using continuous infusion, to reduce inflammation and alleviate a patient’s symptoms of spinal stenosis.
6. Using fluoroscopy, a provider injects an anesthetic solution into the subarachnoid space of the sacral region, in intermittent boluses, to provide pain relief during labor for a pregnant patient.