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The procedure described by CPT® Code 62269 refers to a percutaneous needle biopsy of the spinal cord. This minimally invasive technique involves the careful insertion of a biopsy needle into the spinal canal to obtain tissue samples from the spinal cord. Prior to the procedure, the skin at the designated puncture site is thoroughly cleansed to reduce the risk of infection. A local anesthetic is then administered to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. The biopsy needle is guided into the spinal canal, which may be assisted by imaging techniques such as ultrasound, fluoroscopy, or CT scans, all of which are separately reportable. Once the needle is correctly positioned, one or more tissue samples are collected from the spinal cord. These samples are subsequently sent to a laboratory for pathological examination, which is also reported separately. This procedure is essential for diagnosing various spinal cord conditions and diseases, providing critical information for patient management and treatment planning.
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The percutaneous needle biopsy of the spinal cord, as described by CPT® Code 62269, is indicated for various clinical scenarios where tissue diagnosis is necessary. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:
The procedure for a percutaneous needle biopsy of the spinal cord involves several critical steps to ensure safety and accuracy. First, the patient is positioned appropriately to allow access to the spinal canal. The skin over the planned puncture site is then cleansed thoroughly with an antiseptic solution to minimize the risk of infection. Following this, a local anesthetic is administered to the area to ensure that the patient remains comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. Once the anesthetic has taken effect, the physician uses imaging guidance—such as ultrasound, fluoroscopy, or CT—to accurately locate the spinal canal. This imaging is crucial as it helps in visualizing the anatomy and ensuring precise needle placement. The biopsy needle is then carefully inserted through the skin and into the spinal canal. The physician may take one or more tissue samples from the spinal cord, depending on the clinical indication and the findings during the procedure. After the samples are obtained, they are sent to a laboratory for pathological examination, which is reported separately. This step is vital for diagnosing any underlying conditions affecting the spinal cord.
After the percutaneous needle biopsy of the spinal cord, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or infection at the puncture site. It is common for patients to experience some discomfort or soreness in the area where the needle was inserted, which may be managed with over-the-counter pain relief medications. Patients are usually advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a short period following the procedure. Additionally, they may receive specific instructions regarding signs of complications to watch for, such as increased pain, fever, or changes in neurological status. Follow-up appointments are often scheduled to discuss the results of the pathological examination and to determine any further management based on the findings.
| Short Descr | NEEDLE BIOPSY SPINAL CORD | Medium Descr | BIOPSY SPINAL CORD PERCUTANEOUS NEEDLE | Long Descr | Biopsy of spinal cord, percutaneous needle | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 000 - Endoscopic or 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) | 0 - 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 | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | 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) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | MUE | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 7 - Other diagnostic nervous system procedures |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 77002 | CPT Add On MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement (eg, biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 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). | 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. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | MG | The order for this service does not have applicable appropriate use criteria in the qualified clinical decision support mechanism consulted by the ordering professional |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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