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Official Description

Injection/infusion of neurolytic substance (eg, alcohol, phenol, iced saline solutions), with or without other therapeutic substance; subarachnoid

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 62280 involves the injection or infusion of a neurolytic substance, which may include agents such as alcohol, phenol, or iced saline solutions, into the subarachnoid space. This space is located between the arachnoid mater and the pia mater, two of the protective membranes surrounding the spinal cord. The primary purpose of this procedure is to destroy neural structures that are involved in the perception of pain, thereby providing long-lasting relief for patients suffering from chronic, intractable, non-terminal pain that has not responded to other pain management strategies. Additionally, this procedure can be utilized for managing cancer-related pain. The neurolytic block can be performed using either an injection or an infusion technique, depending on the specific clinical scenario. Proper positioning of the patient is essential, typically on an X-ray table with the back exposed, to facilitate accurate needle placement. The injection site is prepared through cleansing, and local anesthesia is administered to minimize discomfort. Fluoroscopic guidance is employed to ensure precise placement of the spinal needle or cannula into the appropriate space, followed by the injection or infusion of the neurolytic substance. It is important to note that CPT® Code 62280 specifically refers to the subarachnoid injection or infusion, while separate codes exist for epidural procedures at different spinal levels.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 62280 is indicated for the treatment of specific conditions related to pain management. The following are the explicitly provided indications for this procedure:

  • Chronic Pain - This procedure is utilized for patients experiencing chronic, intractable pain that is not responsive to other pain management modalities.
  • Non-terminal Pain - It is indicated for non-terminal pain conditions, allowing for effective pain relief without the expectation of imminent death.
  • Cancer Pain - The procedure can also be performed to manage pain associated with cancer, providing relief to patients suffering from this debilitating condition.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 62280 involves several critical steps to ensure effective delivery of the neurolytic substance. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Patient Positioning - The patient is positioned on an X-ray table with their back exposed to facilitate access to the spinal area where the injection will occur.
  • Site Preparation - The injection site is thoroughly cleansed to reduce the risk of infection, and a local anesthetic is administered to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
  • Needle Insertion - Using fluoroscopic guidance, a spinal needle or cannula is carefully inserted into the subarachnoid space. This imaging technique ensures accurate placement of the needle.
  • Contrast Injection - A small amount of contrast material is injected to confirm that the needle or cannula is correctly positioned within the subarachnoid space.
  • Neurolytic Substance Administration - Once proper placement is verified, the neurolytic substance, such as alcohol, phenol, or iced saline, is injected or infused into the subarachnoid space to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, patients may be monitored for any immediate adverse reactions or complications. It is essential to observe the patient for signs of neurological deficits or unexpected pain responses. Patients are typically advised on post-procedure care, which may include rest and avoiding strenuous activities for a specified period. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the effectiveness of the neurolytic block and to determine if additional treatments are necessary. Documentation of the procedure, including the substances used and the patient's response, is crucial for ongoing care and future reference.

Short Descr TREAT SPINAL CORD LESION
Medium Descr INJX/INFUSION NEUROLYTIC SUBSTANCE SUBARACHNOID
Long Descr Injection/infusion of neurolytic substance (eg, alcohol, phenol, iced saline solutions), with or without other therapeutic substance; subarachnoid
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) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 5 - Insertion of catheter or spinal stimulator and injection into spinal canal

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

77003 CPT Add On MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Fluoroscopic guidance and localization of needle or catheter tip for spine or paraspinous diagnostic or therapeutic injection procedures (epidural or subarachnoid) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
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.)
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