Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Is T12-L1 Injection One or Two Levels?

Published on Fri Oct 24, 2014

Question: The procedure performed was “Right T12-L1 transforaminal epidural steroid injection.” Would I code this as 64479 and 64480, or as 64483 and 64484? Or would I code 64479 for thoracic and 64483 for lumbar? Would this be considered one or two levels?

Illinois Subscriber

Answer: The appropriate code for this scenario is 64479 (Injection[s], anesthetic agent and/or steroid, transforaminal epidural, with imaging guidance [fluoroscopy or CT]; cervical or thoracic, single level).

Explanation: Although two areas of the spine were involved, you’re coding for a single spinal level injection. T12-L1 is one intervertebral level between the T12 and L1 vertebrae even though they are in two different spinal regions. CPT® also includes the following parenthetical note: “For transforaminal epidural injection at the T12-L1 level, use 64479.

Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

ICD-10:
Turn to G47.30 to Rest Easy With Sleep Apnea Coding
Tip: Don’t forget to include other associated sleep conditions on your claim. Some coders and [...]

Condition Focus:
Watch 3 Areas to Ease Your Dupuytren's Contracture Coding
Don’t forget E/M for office-based procedure. When your providers treat a patient with Dupuytren’s contracture, [...]

Terminology Check:
Remember What Dupuytren's Contracture Is
Condition affects millions of Americans. Dupuytren’s contracture is a painless thickening and fixed tightening (contracture) [...]

News Flash:
Get the Latest Scoop on Hydrocodone Combo Prescriptions
Ensure that your providers meet these criteria for Rx. States have very specific rules regarding [...]

Reader Question:
Here's How to Distinguish 77002 From 77003
Question: What is the difference between fluoro codes 77002 and 77003? Is the difference based on [...]

Reader Question:
Intra-Articular Facet Injection Might Include TON
Question: What is proper billing for a right third occipital nerve block with a C2-C3 intra-articular [...]

Reader Question:
Include G0398 or G0399 on Your Claim for Home Sleep Study
Question: I am coding for a physician who is interpreting sleep studies. The physician is employed [...]

Reader Question:
Know Whether Payer Considers ANSAR Test Experimental Before Submitting 95943
Question: I am having a terrible time getting my ANSAR tests paid by Medicare. I’m filing [...]

Reader Question:
Start with POS, Then Figure RVU
Question: Using the RVUs provided for a particular code, how do I arrive at the appropriate [...]

You Be the Coder:
Is T12-L1 Injection One or Two Levels?
Question: The procedure performed was “Right T12-L1 transforaminal epidural steroid injection.” Would I code this as [...]

View All