Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: Encounter notes indicate that the surgeon performed percutaneous intervertebral aspiration for diagnostic purposes. During the procedure, they also used fluoro­scopic guidance for needle placement. Can we code the guidance separately?

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Answer: Yes, you can code the guidance separately. On the claim, report:

• 62267 (Percutaneous aspiration within the nucleus pulposus, intervertebral disc, or paravertebral tissue for diagnostic purposes) for the aspiration
• +77003 (Fluoroscopic guidance and localization of needle or catheter tip for spine or paraspinous diagnostic or therapeutic injection procedures (epidural or subarachnoid) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)) for the guidance.