Radiology: Diagnostic Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging), 72275 (Q&A)
Question: During various injections of therapeutic substances into the spine, contrast is often injected to ensure that the needle or catheter is in the epidural space. Is it appropriate to code 72275, Epidurography, radiologic supervision and interpretation, in addition to the appropriate injection code?
Answer: No. Code 72275 is only to be used when an epidurogram is performed, images documented, and a formal radiologic report issued. A statement indicating that contrast flows in the epidural space would only document localization and would not represent a diagnostic epidurogram.
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Above is from AMA CPT Assistant October 2009 Below is from CPT Changes 2000
72275 Epidurography, radiological supervision and interpretation
Rationale
As part of the comprehensive revisions to the spinal injection section of CPT 2000, new code 72275 was added to describe the work involved in the radiologic supervision and interpretation services associated with epidurography. Epidurography includes a diagnostic imaging evaluation following an injection of contrast material into the epidural space under direct fluoroscopic visualization. This allows for evaluation of the epidural space around the target nerve roots or spinal nerves. Visualization of the free flow (or lack thereof) of contrast material in the epidural space assists in identifying focal scarring, areas of moderate to severe narrowing in the diameter of the nerve/nerve root, moderate to severe swelling of other parts of the nerve/nerve root, and the shape and size of the target nerves. Based on the epidurographic findings, potential treatment options can be evaluated.