2025 CPT code 62287
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Spine and Spinal Cord Surgery Feed
Percutaneous decompression of the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc, using a needle-based technique under fluoroscopic imaging or other indirect visualization methods. This may include discography and/or epidural injections at the treatment levels, for single or multiple levels in the lumbar region.
Modifiers may be applicable to indicate specific circumstances, such as increased procedural services (22), multiple procedures (51), or distinct procedural service (59).
Medical necessity for this procedure requires documented evidence of a symptomatic herniated disc in the lumbar spine, causing pain or neurological deficits, that has not responded to conservative treatment.The documentation should support the need for percutaneous intervention and the chosen technique.
The physician performs a percutaneous decompression of a herniated disc in the lumbar spine. This involves using a needle to access and remove disc material, guided by imaging.They are also responsible for administering any necessary contrast or anesthetic injections.
In simple words: This procedure removes part of the disc material in your lower back to relieve pressure on the nerves.A needle is inserted through the skin into the disc, guided by X-ray. A small amount of disc material is then removed. The doctor may also inject dye for better visualization or anesthetic for pain relief.
Decompression procedure, percutaneous, of nucleus pulposus of intervertebral disc, any method utilizing needle based technique to remove disc material under fluoroscopic imaging or other form of indirect visualization, with discography and/or epidural injection(s) at the treated level(s), when performed, single or multiple levels, lumbar.This code encompasses various percutaneous techniques for decompressing a herniated disc in the lumbar region. The procedure involves removing disc material using a needle, guided by imaging such as fluoroscopy.It may also include discography (injecting contrast into the disc for visualization) and/or epidural injections at the treatment level(s).The code applies to single or multiple levels in the lumbar spine.
Example 1: A patient presents with lower back pain and radiculopathy due to a herniated disc at L4-L5. The physician performs a percutaneous disc decompression using a needle technique under fluoroscopic guidance.Discography and an epidural injection are also performed at the L4-L5 level., A patient has a large herniated disc at L5-S1 causing severe pain.The physician performs a percutaneous laser discectomy under fluoroscopy, removing a portion of the disc material to relieve the pressure on the nerve root., A patient has multilevel disc herniations in the lumbar spine. Percutaneous decompression is performed at L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1 using a mechanical automated discectomy device, guided by CT imaging. Epidural injections are administered at each level for pain control.
Documentation should include details of the patient’s symptoms, imaging findings confirming the diagnosis, the specific technique used for decompression, levels treated, use of discography/epidural injections, and any complications.Pre- and post-procedure imaging results should also be documented.
** Percutaneous discectomy is also a component of codes 0274T and 0275T. These codes describe more extensive procedures involving laminotomy/laminectomy.
- Specialties:Neurosurgery, Pain Management, Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Outpatient, Office