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The procedure described by CPT® Code 62324 involves the injection of diagnostic or therapeutic substances into the epidural or subarachnoid space of the cervical or thoracic region of the spine. This procedure includes the placement of an indwelling catheter, which allows for either continuous infusion or intermittent bolus administration of various substances, such as anesthetics, antispasmodics, opioids, steroids, or other solutions. It is important to note that neurolytic substances are explicitly excluded from this procedure. The process begins with the cleansing of the skin over the targeted spinal area using an antiseptic solution, followed by the administration of a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort during the procedure. A spinal needle is then carefully inserted into the epidural or subarachnoid space, typically through a paramedian or midline interlaminar approach. Although fluoroscopic guidance is commonly used, it is not a requirement for this specific code. The epidural space is defined as the outermost area of the spinal canal, which contains cerebrospinal fluid and is situated between the dura mater and the vertebral wall. In contrast, the subarachnoid space is located closer to the spinal cord, nestled between the arachnoid and pia mater membranes. To ensure accurate needle placement, contrast dye may be utilized prior to the injection of the therapeutic substance. Once the catheter is securely positioned within the target space, the selected substance is administered, either continuously or as an intermittent bolus. Post-procedure, the patient is monitored for any potential adverse effects resulting from the injection.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 62324 is indicated for various conditions that may benefit from the administration of diagnostic or therapeutic substances into the epidural or subarachnoid space. These indications may include:
The procedure begins with the preparation of the patient and the targeted area. The skin over the spinal region to be catheterized is thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic solution to minimize the risk of infection. Following this, a local anesthetic is injected to ensure the patient experiences minimal discomfort during the procedure. A spinal needle is then carefully inserted into the back, targeting the epidural or subarachnoid space. This insertion is typically performed through a paramedian or midline interlaminar approach. Although fluoroscopic guidance is commonly utilized to enhance accuracy, it is not a requirement for this specific code. The epidural space, which is the outermost area of the spinal canal filled with cerebrospinal fluid, lies between the dura mater and the vertebral wall. In contrast, the subarachnoid space is located closer to the spinal cord, situated between the arachnoid and pia mater membranes. To confirm proper needle placement, contrast dye may be injected, which can also facilitate an epidurography if necessary. Once the correct placement is verified, a catheter is threaded through the needle and advanced into the target space to ensure secure positioning. Subsequently, a diagnostic or therapeutic substance, such as an anesthetic, antispasmodic, opioid, steroid, or a combination of these solutions, is administered either as a continuous infusion or as an intermittent bolus into the epidural or subarachnoid space. After the infusion, the patient is closely monitored for any adverse effects that may arise from the procedure.
After the completion of the procedure, it is essential to monitor the patient for any potential adverse effects related to the injection. This monitoring may include observing for signs of infection at the injection site, assessing for any neurological deficits, and evaluating the effectiveness of the pain relief or therapeutic effect achieved. Patients may be advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a specified period following the procedure. Additionally, follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the patient's response to the treatment and determine if further interventions are necessary. It is crucial to provide the patient with clear instructions regarding any signs or symptoms that should prompt immediate medical attention, such as increased pain, weakness, or changes in sensation.
| Short Descr | NJX INTERLAMINAR CRV/THRC | Medium Descr | NJX DX/THER SBST INTRLMNR CRV/THRC W/O IMG GDN | Long Descr | Injection(s), including indwelling catheter placement, continuous infusion or intermittent bolus, of diagnostic or therapeutic substance(s) (eg, anesthetic, antispasmodic, opioid, steroid, other solution), not including neurolytic substances, interlaminar epidural or subarachnoid, cervical or thoracic; without imaging guidance | 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) | 9 - Concept 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 | Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P6B - Minor procedures - musculoskeletal | MUE | 1 |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 0777T | Add-on Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC N Real-time pressure-sensing epidural guidance system (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 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 | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service | X4 | Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period | XP | Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | 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). | 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). | 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. | 76 | Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 77 | Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 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.) | AG | Primary physician | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | CG | Policy criteria applied | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | 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 | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | X5 | Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician |
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| 2017-01-01 | Added | Added |
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