Radiology Coding Alert
0228T-+0231T Apply When Ultrasound Guides Transforaminal Epidural Service
Expect the usual Category III nonpayment realities for these codes.
Savvy transforaminal epidural injection coders know that guidance is not separately reportable because it’s included in the injection service code.
Don’t miss: The guidance in the 64479-+64484 definitions is listed as "fluoroscopy or CT." If the physician uses ultrasound guidance instead, your code choices change, said Judi Blaszczyk RN, CPC, ACS-PM, of Auditing for Compliance and Education, in her pain management presentation at the 2012 CodingCon. Payers may vary on whether they reimburse for the following Category III ultrasound-guided injection codes:
0228T, Injection(s), anesthetic agent and/or steroid, transforaminal epidural, with ultrasound guidance, cervical or thoracic; single level
+0229T, … each additional level (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
0230T, Injection(s), anesthetic agent and/or steroid, transforaminal epidural, with ultrasound guidance, lumbar or sacral; single level
+0231T, … each additional level (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure).
Radiology Coding Alert
- Pain Management:
64479-+64484: Heed These Warning Signs to Safely Navigate Injection Pitfalls
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0228T-+0231T Apply When Ultrasound Guides Transforaminal Epidural Service
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