What is CPT code 62326?

CPT code 62326 represents a specific medical procedure involving injections into the spinal column, primarily for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. This code covers procedures performed in the lumbar or sacral regions, targeting the interlaminar epidural or subarachnoid spaces.

Understanding CPT Code 62326

CPT® Code 62326 is utilized for a range of spinal injection procedures designed to deliver various substances directly to specific areas of the spine. These injections are typically performed to manage pain, reduce inflammation, or diagnose the source of a patient's discomfort.

Scope of the Procedure

The description for CPT code 62326 encompasses several key aspects of the injection process:

• Injection(s): The core of the procedure involves one or more injections.
• Indwelling Catheter Placement: The code includes the placement of an indwelling catheter, which can be used for continuous delivery or repeated boluses.
• Administration Method: The substance(s) can be administered via:
  • Continuous infusion: A steady, prolonged delivery of medication.
  • Intermittent bolus: Periodic, measured doses of medication.
• Substance Types: The injected substances are either diagnostic or therapeutic. Examples include:
  • Anesthetic agents (e.g., to numb an area or block pain signals)
  • Antispasmodics (to relieve muscle spasms)
  • Opioids (for pain relief)
  • Steroids (to reduce inflammation)
  • Other solutions as deemed medically necessary.
• Exclusion: It is crucial to note that this code does not include neurolytic substances. Neurolytic substances are agents that intentionally destroy nerve tissue, and their administration falls under different CPT codes.
• Location: The anatomical target for these injections is the interlaminar epidural or subarachnoid space in the lumbar or sacral regions of the spine.

Common Applications and Examples

CPT code 62326 is frequently used in pain management and interventional spine procedures. Some common scenarios where this code would apply include:

• Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs): Administering corticosteroids into the epidural space to reduce inflammation and pain associated with conditions like:
  • Lumbar disc herniation
  • Sciatica
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Degenerative disc disease
• Diagnostic Injections: Using an anesthetic to temporarily numb a nerve or area to help identify the source of a patient's pain.
• Continuous Epidural Analgesia: For managing severe or chronic lumbar or sacral pain through a continuously infused medication via an indwelling catheter.
• Subarachnoid (Intrathecal) Injections: Delivering medications directly into the cerebrospinal fluid, though this is less common for therapeutic steroids and more for certain diagnostic studies or specific pain medications.

Key Elements of CPT Code 62326

To summarize the specifics of this code, the table below outlines its defining components:

This code plays a vital role in accurately billing and documenting a specific set of complex spinal procedures, ensuring clarity in medical coding and reimbursement processes.