CPT® Code 0215T

Add-On Code

Injection(s), diagnostic or therapeutic agent, paravertebral facet (zygapophyseal) joint (or nerves innervating that joint) with ultrasound guidance, cervical or thoracic; third and any additional level(s) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

Paravertebral facet joints, also known as zygapophyseal joints, are critical structures located on the posterior aspect of the spine, situated on either side of the vertebrae where one vertebra overlaps another. These joints play a significant role in spinal movement and stability. Pain originating from these joints can be attributed to various conditions, including post-laminectomy syndrome, which may arise after spinal surgery that destabilizes the joints, leading to scar tissue formation or recurrent disc herniation. Other potential causes of facet joint pain include degenerative conditions such as spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, and arthritis. The procedure described by CPT® Code 0215T involves the injection of a diagnostic or therapeutic agent into the paravertebral facet joint or the nerves that innervate that joint, utilizing ultrasound guidance for precision. This technique begins with the preparation of the skin over the facet joint, followed by the administration of a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. A spinal needle is then carefully directed into the facet joint space until it encounters bone or cartilage, ensuring accurate placement. To confirm the correct positioning of the needle, a small amount of contrast material is injected. Subsequently, a local anesthetic and/or steroid is administered to provide pain relief or to assist in diagnosing the source of pain. The diagnostic facet joint injection aims to identify the specific area responsible for the patient's pain, while a therapeutic injection may be performed later if significant pain relief is achieved from the diagnostic injection. This code specifically applies to the third and any additional levels of cervical or thoracic facet joint injections, which must be reported separately in addition to the primary procedure code.