How To Use CPT Code 72285

CPT 72285 describes the imaging supervision and interpretation for a discogram, a diagnostic procedure used to identify the specific vertebrae causing neck or back pain. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 72285?

CPT 72285 can be used to represent the imaging supervision and interpretation for a discogram. This procedure involves the injection of contrast material into the disc space of the cervical or thoracic spinal canal, followed by a series of X-ray images to detect any injury or protrusion of the disc in the spine. It is important to note that CPT 72285 only represents the imaging supervision and interpretation for this procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 72285 is: ‘Discography, cervical or thoracic, radiological supervision and interpretation.’

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the provider inserts a needle under fluoroscopic guidance into the disc space of the cervical or thoracic spinal canal.
2. Contrast material is then injected to allow visualization of the intervertebral disc.
3. The provider changes the position of the patient by tilting the X-ray table, allowing the contrast material to reach different levels in the spinal canal.
4. Using fluoroscopy, the provider observes the flow of the contrast material and takes a series of X-ray images of the disc space as the patient’s position is changed.
5. The provider performs the imaging supervision and interpretation for the discogram, analyzing the X-ray images to identify any injury or protrusion of the disc in the spine.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 72285 is used when a provider performs the imaging supervision and interpretation for a discogram. This procedure is typically performed on patients who are experiencing neck or back pain and need to identify the specific vertebrae causing their symptoms. The provider must have the necessary expertise to perform and interpret the imaging for the discogram.

5. When to use CPT code 72285

CPT code 72285 should be used when a provider performs the imaging supervision and interpretation for a discogram. It is important to note that this code only represents the imaging component of the procedure and should not be used to report other aspects of the discogram, such as the injection of contrast material or the guidance provided by fluoroscopy.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 72285, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the discogram and the specific vertebrae being evaluated
• Details of the imaging supervision and interpretation performed, including the use of fluoroscopy and the analysis of the X-ray images
• Date and time of the procedure
• Any relevant findings or abnormalities observed during the imaging
• Signature of the provider performing the imaging supervision and interpretation

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 72285, ensure that the provider is reporting only the imaging supervision and interpretation component of the discogram. This code should not be reported if other aspects of the procedure, such as the injection of contrast material or the guidance provided by fluoroscopy, are also being reported separately. It is important to follow Medicare guidelines and append the appropriate modifiers if multiple providers are involved in the supervision and interpretation of the imaging.

8. Historical information

CPT 72285 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 radiologist performing the imaging supervision and interpretation for a discogram to identify the specific vertebrae causing a patient’s neck pain.
2. An interventional radiologist analyzing the X-ray images of a discogram to determine the presence of a disc protrusion in a patient with chronic back pain.
3. A spine surgeon reviewing the fluoroscopic-guided images of a discogram to assess the integrity of the intervertebral discs in a patient with suspected disc degeneration.
4. A pain management specialist interpreting the X-ray images of a discogram to identify the source of a patient’s persistent lower back pain.
5. An orthopedic surgeon analyzing the imaging results of a discogram to determine the need for surgical intervention in a patient with severe cervical spine pain.
6. A neurologist reviewing the X-ray images of a discogram to assess the presence of nerve root compression in a patient with radicular symptoms.
7. A chiropractor analyzing the imaging findings of a discogram to develop an appropriate treatment plan for a patient with chronic neck pain.
8. A physiatrist interpreting the X-ray images of a discogram to evaluate the effectiveness of a previous spinal injection in a patient with lumbar spine pathology.
9. An anesthesiologist reviewing the fluoroscopic-guided images of a discogram to assess the spread of contrast material in a patient undergoing a diagnostic procedure for suspected disc herniation.
10. A neurosurgeon analyzing the imaging results of a discogram to determine the feasibility of a minimally invasive surgical approach in a patient with cervical spine pathology.