2025 CPT code 62272
Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Nervous System Feed
Therapeutic spinal puncture for drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Medical necessity for this procedure must be clearly documented. This includes demonstrating the therapeutic benefit of CSF drainage, such as relieving increased intracranial pressure or managing a specific condition (e.g., normal pressure hydrocephalus), and the clinical rationale for the procedure.
The physician prepares the patient by positioning them either on their side with knees drawn to the chest or sitting leaning forward. After cleaning the area and applying a local anesthetic, the physician inserts a needle between the vertebrae into the spinal canal. A manometer may be attached to measure CSF pressure. Fluid is then withdrawn through the needle or a catheter and sent for analysis. Afterward, the needle is removed, a dressing applied, and the patient is advised to lie flat to prevent headaches.
In simple words: This procedure, sometimes called a spinal tap, is used to relieve pressure on the brain by draining excess fluid around the spinal cord. The doctor inserts a needle into the lower back to access and remove the fluid.
This code represents a therapeutic spinal puncture performed to drain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This procedure involves inserting a needle or catheter into the subarachnoid space, typically in the lumbar region of the spine, to remove excess CSF. This is done for therapeutic purposes, such as to relieve pressure on the brain or spinal cord. It can be performed with or without imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or CT). If imaging guidance is used, code 62329 should be used instead.
Example 1: A patient with pseudotumor cerebri experiences increased intracranial pressure and requires therapeutic CSF drainage to alleviate symptoms. A therapeutic lumbar puncture is performed using code 62272., A patient with normal pressure hydrocephalus requires periodic CSF drainage to manage their condition and improve symptoms like gait disturbance and cognitive decline. Code 62272 is used for this therapeutic lumbar puncture., Following a traumatic brain injury, a patient develops elevated intracranial pressure. A therapeutic lumbar puncture is performed to remove CSF and reduce the pressure, using code 62272.
Documentation should include the reason for the procedure, details of needle or catheter placement, amount of CSF removed, CSF pressure measurements (if taken), patient response, and any complications. Supporting documentation like imaging reports (if applicable) and lab results should also be included.
- RVU: 2.43
- Specialties:Neurology, Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Office