Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Question: Encounter notes indicate that the provider performed a spinal puncture. How should I report this encounter?

Florida Subscriber

Answer: Considering the note you have, you’re going to need some more information before you can select the proper code for this puncture.

Do this: Check the notes, or ask the provider if you can, to get answers to these questions:

• Is it a lumbar puncture?
• Is the puncture diagnostic or therapeutic?
• Was the puncture for cerebrospinal fluid drainage?
• Was fluoroscopic or computed tomography (CT) guidance used for the puncture?

Then, you can choose from one of the following codes for the lumbar puncture:

• 62270 (Spinal puncture, lumbar, diagnostic)
• 62328 (Spinal puncture, lumbar, diagnostic; with fluoroscopic or CT guidance)
• 62272 (Spinal puncture, therapeutic, for drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (by needle or catheter))
• 62329 (Spinal puncture, therapeutic, for drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (by needle or catheter); with fluoroscopic or CT guidance)