Codes describing transforaminal epidural injections are specific to the targeted spine region (cervical/thoracic or lumbar/sacral): 64479 Injection, anesthetic agent and/or steroid, transforaminal epidural; cervical or thoracic, single level +64480
In the management of patients with low back pain (LBP) and radiculopathy, selective transforaminal epidural injection, is a procedure used for both diagnostic (to ascertain whether a specific spinal nerve root is the source of pain) and therapeutic (to reduce inflammation around the spinal nerve root, thus reducing or relieving the pain) purposes.
*ICD-10 code G96.12 is to be used to describe lumbar epidural fibrosis ICD-10-CM Codes that DO NOT Support Medical Necessity Expand All | Collapse All Group 1
What also throws me off is under the 64480 in the CPT book it states that (for transforaminal epidural injections at the T12-L1 level use 64479. I feel like this would be one level the L5/S1 but the physician is telling me that this is two levels because he is targeting two nerve roots.
A transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) performed at the T12-L1 level should be reported with CPT code 64479.
Epidural hemorrhage ICD-10-CM S06. 4X0A is grouped within Diagnostic Related Group(s) (MS-DRG v39.0):
The idea is that epidurals can provide these benefits without surgical interference, reducing the risk. A transforaminal epidural is an epidural injected into a specific part of the body. With a transforaminal epidural injection, your doctor inserts a small-gauge blunt needle into your epidural area.
A transforaminal lumbar epidural steroid injection (TFESI) is an injection of corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory medication) into the epidural space. When it is done from the side where the nerve exits the spine, it is called a transforaminal injection. It puts medication near the source of the inflammation.
Long term (current) use of systemic steroids The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM Z79. 52 became effective on October 1, 2021. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of Z79.
Only the injection code (20610) and the J code for the cortisone should be billed to Medicare.
When it is more desirable to target a specific nerve root, a transforaminal approach is typically used, and when the target is more diffuse, a translaminar method is chosen. Both are commonly used and can be utilized similarly in the lumbar or cervical spine.
Transforaminal = through the foramina, openings through which nerve roots exit the spine. Interbody = between the vertebral bodies. Lumbar = having to do with the spine in the lower back. Fusion = a process in which bones “fuse,” or grow together into one bone.
In theory, the transforaminal approach allows the injection needle to reach the closest possible position to either the distal nerve root or the anterior portion of the epidural space.
A transforaminal nerve root block involves injecting steroid medication near where the nerve root exits the spinal column. We can use this procedure both to relieve neck and back pain and to find where exactly the source of your pain is.
Differences between these two procedures include: A selective nerve block targets a specific nerve that needs to be managed by injecting the medication around this structure whereas an epidural injection is injected into the epidural space of the spinal cord to offer symptomatic relief to a larger area of pathology.
0:061:01How To Say Transforaminal - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTransformers transforma melo transforma melo transforma melo transforma melo transforma melo.MoreTransformers transforma melo transforma melo transforma melo transforma melo transforma melo.
Aetna considers diagnostic selective transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs) with imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or CT) medically necessary for identifying the etiology of pain in persons with symptoms suggestive of chronic radiculopathy, where the diagnosis remains uncertain after standard evaluation (neurological examination, radiological and neurodiagnostic studies):.
Spinal nerve roots, arising from both sides of the spinal cord at each vertebral level, may be compressed or injured as a consequence of herniated discs, stenosis, facet cysts, whiplash, or hyper-extension injuries resulting in pain and inflammation.
Anderberg L, Annertz M, Brandt L, Saveland H. Selective diagnostic cervical nerve root block--correlation with clinical symptoms and MRI-pathology. Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2004;146 (6):559-565; discussion 565.
CPT codes, descriptions and other data only are copyright 2020 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. Applicable FARS/HHSARS apply.
Language quoted from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), National Coverage Determinations (NCDs) and coverage provisions in interpretive manuals is italicized throughout the policy.
This article contains coding or other guidelines that complement the local coverage determination (LCD) for Lumbar Epidural Injections.
Contractors may specify Bill Types to help providers identify those Bill Types typically used to report this service. Absence of a Bill Type does not guarantee that the article does not apply to that Bill Type.
Contractors may specify Revenue Codes to help providers identify those Revenue Codes typically used to report this service. In most instances Revenue Codes are purely advisory. Unless specified in the article, services reported under other Revenue Codes are equally subject to this coverage determination.
CPT codes, descriptions and other data only are copyright 2020 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. Applicable FARS/HHSARS apply.
Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, §1833 (e) prohibits Medicare payment for any claim which lacks the necessary information to process the claim.
The information in this article contains billing, coding or other guidelines that complement the Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections L35148.
Contractors may specify Bill Types to help providers identify those Bill Types typically used to report this service. Absence of a Bill Type does not guarantee that the article does not apply to that Bill Type.
Contractors may specify Revenue Codes to help providers identify those Revenue Codes typically used to report this service. In most instances Revenue Codes are purely advisory. Unless specified in the article, services reported under other Revenue Codes are equally subject to this coverage determination.