AMA CPT® Assistant - 2011 Issue 3 (March)
Coding Communication: Injection Procedure for Discography, Lumbar (March 2011)
March 2011 page 7 Coding Communication: Injection Procedure for Discography, Lumbar Question: What is the proper use of codes 62290 , 72285 , and 72295 when reporting lumbar discography procedures? When should code 77003 (fluoroscopic guidance) be reported with the discography procedure? Answer: To respond to your query, it is key to understand that dye injected into the disc space for tissue identification purposes is considered inclusive of the discectomy procedure performed (eg, 63030 ) and does not constitute diagnostic discography ( 62290 ). When performed for diagnostic purposes, independent of a discectomy, lumbar discography is essentially a two-part procedure. The...
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Article Overview
This premium coding communication addresses lumbar discography reporting in a CPT-focused context. It is aimed at coders, billing staff, and clinicians who need to understand how the injection procedure, radiological supervision and interpretation, and fluoroscopic guidance are discussed together, along with multi-level reporting and modifier use. The article also notes related cervical or thoracic discography references and a payer-oriented coding tip about units or level reporting.
Why This Topic Matters
Discography coding can involve multiple components and different reporting scenarios depending on who performs each part of the service. Understanding how the article frames these services helps reduce inconsistent reporting and supports more accurate claims preparation.
Article Sections
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Question
Introduces the coding question addressed by the article and frames the main reporting scenarios under discussion.
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Answer
Provides the main guidance topic areas, including lumbar discography reporting, related imaging supervision and interpretation, and multi-level reporting considerations.
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Coding Tip
Summarizes a payer-oriented note about alternate ways some plans may expect multi-level services to be listed.
What You Will Learn
- The general components involved in lumbar discography reporting
- How related radiological supervision and interpretation is discussed in the article
- When multi-level service reporting and modifiers are addressed
- What the article says about fluoroscopic guidance in this coding context
- Which specialty and code-set context the article is centered on
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding educators
- Billing staff
- Radiology practices
- Spine and pain management practices
- Physicians involved in discography services
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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