Radiology Coding Alert

Question: I have a report showing cervical myelogram with the injection performed at the lumbar level (not cervical). How should I code this?

Georgia Subscriber

Answer: You should report the lumbar injection using 62284 (Injection procedure for myelography and/or computed tomography, spinal [other than C1-C2 and posterior fossa]). Choose this code based on the anatomic location of the injection, not the imaging. The radiologist can position the patient in such a way that the contrast will reach the area to be imaged.

For the imaging at the cervical level, you should report 72240 (Myelography, cervical, radiological supervision and interpretation).

Tip: If the radiologist had performed the injection at the cervical level, you would report 61055 (Cisternal or lateral cervical [C1-C2] puncture; with injection of medication or other substance for diagnosis or treatment [e.g., C1-C2]).