Ask Dr. Z

Ask Dr. Z Knowledge Base houses over 7,500 coding questions and answers dating back to 2013.

Ask Dr. Z Disclaimer

Please note this question was answered in 2013. The coding advice may or may not be outdated.

Epidural Blood Patch

Date: Jun 18, 2013

Question:

I'm coding a fluoroscopically-guided lumbar puncture and epidural blood patch. I understand the CPT codes for the epidural blood patch are 62273/77003, but I'm a bit confused as to whether I need to also report codes 62270/77003 for the lumbar puncture. "TECHNIQUE: Under fluoroscopy the L2-L3 interlaminar space was identified, and a 22 gauge spinal needle was advanced into the thecal sac. A total of 8 ml of clear fluid was obtained in four tubes and sent to the lab. At the L4-L5 level a 20 gauge spinal needle was advanced into the epidural space under fluoroscopy. Subsequently, 9 ml of autologous blood was injected into the epidural space w/o complication. The needle was then removed." Please advise regarding the correct codes to use for this procedure.

Sign up for a membership to view the answer to this question.

Need to ask Dr.Z?

Don't see the answer you're looking for in the knowledge base? No problem. You can ask Dr. Z directly!
Ask Dr. Z a question now!