Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

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; 1 day

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 62264 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 in place, 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 meticulous approach aims to ensure the effective treatment of the adhesions while monitoring the condition of the epidural space and the target nerves. CPT® Code 62264 is specifically used when these injections are performed within a single day, distinguishing it from similar procedures that may span multiple days.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 62264 is indicated for patients experiencing symptoms related to epidural adhesions, which may include:

  • Chronic Pain: Persistent pain in the back or legs that may be associated with nerve root compression due to adhesions.
  • Neurological Symptoms: Symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the lower extremities that may result from nerve irritation or compression.
  • Post-Surgical Adhesions: Development of scar tissue following spinal surgery that can lead to complications and pain.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 62264 involves several key steps, which are detailed as follows:

  • 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 ensuring accurate placement.
  • Catheter Placement: A catheter is advanced over the needle into the epidural space, and the needle is subsequently withdrawn. The catheter is maneuvered through the bands of scar tissue to reach the target spinal nerve or nerve root.
  • Contrast Injection: Contrast material is injected to confirm the proper placement of the catheter and to evaluate the surrounding nerve roots and spinal nerves. The free flow of contrast within the epidural space is verified to ensure correct positioning.
  • Injection of Lytic Agents: The number of injections and the specific substances to be used for lysis of the adhesions are determined. Typically, hyaluronidase, a local anesthetic, and a steroid are injected, followed by an injection of hypertonic saline approximately 30 minutes later.
  • Securing the Catheter: The catheter is secured in place to maintain its position during the injection process.
  • Administration of Injections: The first injection or series of injections is administered. Before each injection, contrast is again injected to check the catheter position, and the epidural space is evaluated for the destruction of scar tissue and the degree of opening around the target nerves or nerve roots.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the procedure, patients may be monitored for any immediate adverse reactions or complications. It is important to assess the effectiveness of the injections in alleviating symptoms. 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 expected recovery time may vary based on individual patient factors and the extent of the procedure performed.

Short Descr EPIDURAL LYSIS ON SINGLE DAY
Medium Descr PRQ LYSIS EPIDURAL ADHESIONS MULT SESSIONS 1 DAY
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; 1 day
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) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 5 - Insertion of catheter or spinal stimulator and injection into spinal canal
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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).
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
X2 Continuous/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians whose expertise is needed for the ongoing management of a chronic disease or a condition that needs to be managed and followed with no planned endpoint to the relationship; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to: a rheumatologist taking care of the patient's rheumatoid arthritis longitudinally but not providing general primary care services
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
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.
74 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
Date
Action
Notes
2003-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2003.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"