Summary & Overview
CPT 0217T: Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar/Sacral Facet Joint or Nerve Injection
CPT code 0217T covers ultrasound-guided injection of a diagnostic or therapeutic agent into an additional lumbar or sacral paravertebral facet joint or the nerves that exit the joint. This image-guided interventional pain management procedure is used to relieve axial or radicular pain or to provide regional anesthesia prior to surgery. Nationally, accurate coding of this CPT code matters for appropriate reimbursement, utilization tracking, and quality measurement in pain management and perioperative care.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of clinical context and typical sites of service, benchmarking insights where available, and relevant policy and coding considerations that affect coverage and billing for ultrasound-guided lumbar/sacral facet joint or nerve injections. The publication summarizes common modifiers and administrative details supplied in the input and highlights where data is not available.
This analysis provides clinicians, revenue cycle professionals, and policy analysts with a concise reference to the clinical intent of the procedure, payer landscape, and the operational context needed to support claims submission and payer discussions for CPT code 0217T. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 0217T describes injection of a diagnostic or therapeutic agent into an additional lumbar or sacral paravertebral facet joint or the nerves that exit the joint under ultrasound guidance. The procedure may be performed to relieve pain or to administer an anesthetic for a surgical procedure.
Service Type: Image-guided lumbar/sacral paravertebral facet joint or nerve injection
Typical Site of Service: Outpatient procedure suite, ambulatory surgery center, or hospital outpatient department
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 56-year-old patient with chronic axial low back pain and focal lumbar facetogenic pain refractory to conservative treatments presents for ultrasound-guided paravertebral facet joint injection. The procedure is performed in an outpatient ambulatory surgery center or pain clinic procedure room under sterile conditions. After history, focused exam, and review of prior imaging, the provider identifies the symptomatic lumbar or sacral paravertebral facet joint(s). Under ultrasound guidance the clinician advances a needle to the targeted facet joint or the dorsal rami exiting the joint, aspirates as indicated, and injects a diagnostic local anesthetic agent or corticosteroid therapeutic agent to confirm the pain generator or provide relief. The patient is monitored in a recovery area for immediate response and possible adverse effects, and post-procedure instructions are given prior to discharge.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier — standard reporting | Used when no additional modifier is applicable and the procedure is reported routinely |
22 | Increased procedural services | When work, time, or complexity substantially exceeds usual for (document justification in operative note) |