Radiology Coding Alert

Question: Which procedure code should I pair with myelography code 72240?


Kansas Subscriber


Answer: If you are reporting both the injection procedure and the radiological supervision and interpretation (RS&I), consider these codes:

• 72240--Myelography, cervical, radiological supervision and interpretation

• 62284--Injection procedure for myelography and/or computed tomography, spinal (other than C1-C2 and posterior fossa)

• 61055--Cisternal or lateral cervical (C1-C2) puncture; with injection of medication or other substance for diagnosis or treatment (e.g., C1-C2).

Check your documentation to determine the appropriate injection codes.

In most cases, the physician performs a cervical myelogram by injecting contrast into the lumbar spine and positioning the patient so that the contrast flows upward into the neck. For this procedure, you should report 72240 and 62284.

In some instances, the physician will inject the contrast directly into the cervical spine (for example, by lateral cervical puncture). For this procedure, you should report 72240 and 61055.

Remember that if the physician studies more than one area of the spine (for example, if the radiologist performs a cervical and thoracic myelogram or a cervical and lumbar myelogram), report 72270 (Myelography, two or more regions [e.g., lumbar/thoracic, cervical/thoracic, lumbar/cervical, lumbar/thoracic/cervical], radiologic supervision and interpretation) rather than 72240.

Note: Fluoroscopy is an integral part of this procedure, so don't code for it separately.