Ask Dr. Z

My provider performs contrast injection for MR myelograms. I believe 62284 is correct. Please advise.

"Fluoroscopically-guided lumbar puncture for opening pressure measurement and CSF collection. Subsequent intrathecal injection of MR contrast for pending total MR myelogram and MR cisternogram. Using biplane fluoroscopic guidance, a 3 1/2 inch in length 25 gauge Whitacre needle was advanced through a 1.5 inch in length 19 gauge hypodermic needle placed in the posterior low back skin and subcutaneous soft tissues. The Whitacre needle was advanced into the subarachnoid lumbar space at the superior L3 level. AP and lateral images of the lumbar spine were acquired. Opening pressure was measured. 2 mL of clear CSF were removed and sent to the laboratory. 0.6 mL of Gadavist mixed in 8 mL of preservative-free normal saline were then injected through the Whitacre needle into the lumbar subarachnoid space. Stylette was replaced in the Whitacre needle."