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Official Description

Percutaneous lysis of epidural adhesions using solution injection (eg, hypertonic saline, enzyme) or mechanical means (eg, catheter) including radiologic localization (includes contrast when administered), multiple adhesiolysis sessions; 2 or more days

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 62263 involves the percutaneous lysis of epidural adhesions, which are fibrous bands of scar tissue that can form in the epidural space and may contribute to pain or neurological symptoms. This procedure utilizes the injection of one or more substances, such as hypertonic saline or enzymes, to break down these adhesions. The process begins with the preparation of the skin over the injection site, which includes cleansing and the administration of a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. Radiologic guidance, typically fluoroscopy, is employed to accurately position a spinal needle into the epidural or caudal vertebral space at the targeted vertebral level. Once the needle is correctly placed, a catheter is threaded through it into the epidural space, allowing for the delivery of therapeutic agents directly to the site of adhesion. The use of contrast material is crucial as it helps confirm the correct placement of the catheter and allows for the assessment of the surrounding nerve roots and spinal nerves. The procedure may involve multiple injections, with substances such as hyaluronidase, local anesthetics, and steroids being administered to facilitate the lysis of adhesions. The timing and sequence of these injections are carefully planned, with contrast being used to verify catheter positioning before each injection. This comprehensive approach aims to alleviate pain and restore function by effectively addressing the scar tissue that may be impeding nerve function. CPT® Code 62263 is specifically used when these injections are performed over a span of two or more days, distinguishing it from similar procedures conducted in a single day, which would be coded differently.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 62263 is indicated for patients experiencing pain or neurological symptoms due to the presence of epidural adhesions. These adhesions can result from previous surgeries, trauma, or inflammatory conditions affecting the spine. The following conditions may warrant the use of this procedure:

  • Chronic Pain Patients suffering from chronic pain that is believed to be associated with epidural adhesions may benefit from this procedure to alleviate discomfort.
  • Neurological Symptoms Individuals presenting with neurological symptoms, such as radiculopathy or other nerve-related issues, potentially caused by adhesions in the epidural space.
  • Post-Surgical Complications Patients who have undergone spinal surgery and are experiencing complications related to scar tissue formation may be candidates for this intervention.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 62263 involves several detailed steps to ensure effective lysis of epidural adhesions:

  • Preparation The skin over the planned injection site is thoroughly cleansed to reduce the risk of infection. A local anesthetic is then administered to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
  • Needle Insertion Using fluoroscopic or other radiological guidance, a spinal needle is carefully advanced into the epidural space or caudal vertebral space at the desired vertebral level. This step is critical for accurate placement.
  • Catheter Placement A catheter is advanced over the spinal needle into the epidural space. Once the catheter is in place, the needle is withdrawn, leaving the catheter positioned for subsequent injections.
  • Contrast Injection Contrast material is injected through the catheter to confirm its proper placement and to evaluate the surrounding nerve roots and spinal nerves. The free flow of contrast within the epidural space is verified.
  • Injection of Lytic Agents The number of injections and the specific substances to be used for lysis are determined. Typically, hyaluronidase, a local anesthetic, and a steroid are injected, followed by an injection of hypertonic saline approximately 30 minutes later.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation Before each injection or series of injections, contrast is again injected to check the catheter position. The epidural space at the injection site is evaluated, and the extent of scar tissue destruction and the degree of opening around the target nerves or nerve roots are noted prior to each injection.
  • Securing the Catheter The catheter is secured in place to ensure stability throughout the procedure, allowing for the administration of the first injection or series of injections.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the procedure, patients may be monitored for any immediate adverse reactions or complications. It is essential to assess the effectiveness of the injections in alleviating pain and improving function. Patients may be advised on post-procedure care, which could include rest, pain management strategies, and follow-up appointments to evaluate the outcomes of the treatment. The recovery process may vary depending on the individual and the extent of the adhesions treated. Continuous assessment of symptoms and functional improvement is crucial in determining the success of the procedure.

Short Descr EPIDURAL LYSIS MULT SESSIONS
Medium Descr PRQ LYSIS EPIDURAL ADHESIONS MULT SESS 2/> DAYS
Long Descr Percutaneous lysis of epidural adhesions using solution injection (eg, hypertonic saline, enzyme) or mechanical means (eg, catheter) including radiologic localization (includes contrast when administered), multiple adhesiolysis sessions; 2 or more days
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 010 - Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 5 - Insertion of catheter or spinal stimulator and injection into spinal canal
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
Date
Action
Notes
2003-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2000-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2000.
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