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CPT 62267: Aspiration of Intervertebral Disc or Paravertebral Tissue
CPT code 62267 covers diagnostic aspiration of intervertebral discs or adjacent paravertebral soft tissues, including aspiration of nucleus pulposus when indicated to identify infectious or inflammatory causes of disc pathology. The code is clinically important for distinguishing infectious discitis from degenerative or inflammatory causes and guiding targeted antimicrobial or surgical management.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise national overview of clinical context, typical places of service, and operational considerations tied to this procedure. The publication outlines billing and coding context, common modifiers in use (listed separately), and implications for documentation and claims submission.
This analysis provides benchmarks and practical guidance on charge and reimbursement variability across major payers, highlights recent policy and coverage trends affecting percutaneous spinal procedures, and summarizes clinical indications that commonly support medical necessity. The content is intended for revenue cycle leaders, clinicians, and compliance teams seeking a compact reference on coding, payer coverage patterns, and key considerations when billing CPT code 62267 on a national scale.
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Billing Code Overview
CPT code 62267 describes an aspiration procedure in which a provider removes fluid or tissue from the intervertebral disc space or adjacent paravertebral soft tissues. The procedure may target the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like center of a spinal disc) or aspirate fluid from the soft pads between vertebrae to obtain diagnostic material for laboratory analysis, including evaluation for bacterial or fungal infection.
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Service type: Diagnostic aspiration of intervertebral disc or paravertebral tissue
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Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient department, ambulatory surgery center, or other facility capable of image guidance and sterile spinal procedures