Summary & Overview
CPT 62303: Lumbar Contrast Injection with Thoracic Myelography
CPT code 62303 represents a radiological procedure in which contrast is injected into the lumbar subarachnoid space to perform myelography of the thoracic spine, with radiological supervision and interpretation. This procedure is used to visualize the thoracic spinal canal and neural structures when other imaging modalities are inconclusive or contraindicated. National relevance stems from its role in diagnostic workups for spinal pathology and its implications for imaging utilization, resource allocation, and reimbursement policy.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context, typical sites of service, and common billing practices tied to this service. The publication summarizes benchmarks and payment considerations where available, highlights coding and documentation elements relevant to radiologists and proceduralists, and outlines areas where policy updates or payer edits commonly affect claim adjudication.
The report is intended for clinicians, billing professionals, and policy analysts seeking a focused reference on the procedure, billing expectations, and the payer landscape for contrast myelography targeting the thoracic spine with lumbar contrast administration. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 62303 describes a diagnostic and imaging procedure in which the provider administers an injection of contrast into the lumbar region of the spine and performs myelography of the thoracic spine, with radiological supervision and interpretation. The service involves contrast administration into the lumbar subarachnoid space followed by imaging to evaluate the thoracic spinal canal and neural elements.
-
Service type: Image-guided contrast myelography with radiological interpretation
-
Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient imaging department or ambulatory surgical/imaging center
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 58-year-old patient presents with progressive lower extremity numbness and bilateral leg pain refractory to conservative care. Neurologic exam demonstrates decreased lower-extremity sensation and suspected thoracic-level cord compression. The interventional radiologist schedules a diagnostic myelogram with fluoroscopic guidance. The procedure involves lumbar puncture with intrathecal injection of iodinated contrast (62303 describes injection into the lumbar subarachnoid space with myelography performed at the thoracic region). Radiological supervision and interpretation occur during contrast administration and fluoroscopic imaging of the thoracic spine. Typical workflow: pre-procedure consent and review of allergies/renal function, positioning and sterile lumbar puncture, intrathecal contrast injection, fluoroscopic myelographic imaging of the thoracic region with spot images and sequences as indicated, post-procedure monitoring for headache or neurologic change, and final interpretation with report. Typical site of service is an outpatient radiology suite, hospital imaging department, or ambulatory surgery center when sedation or additional procedures are required. Service type: diagnostic radiology procedure with contrast myelography and fluoroscopic guidance.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when reporting only the physician interpretation/report separate from technical component provided by facility or equipment owner. |