CPT® Code 62282

Injection/infusion of neurolytic substance (eg, alcohol, phenol, iced saline solutions), with or without other therapeutic substance; epidural, lumbar, sacral (caudal)

The procedure described by CPT® Code 62282 involves the injection or infusion of a neurolytic substance, which may include agents such as alcohol, phenol, or iced saline solutions. These neurolytic substances are specifically designed to destroy neural structures that are involved in the perception of pain, thereby providing long-lasting relief from pain. This procedure is commonly referred to as a neurolytic block and is particularly indicated for patients suffering from chronic, intractable, non-terminal pain that has not responded to other pain management strategies, as well as for those experiencing cancer-related pain. The neurolytic block can be administered either through injection or infusion into specific areas of the spine, namely the subarachnoid space or the epidural space. The subarachnoid space is located between the arachnoid mater and the pia mater, while the epidural space is situated between the bony structures of the spine and the dura mater, which is the outermost membrane covering the spinal cord. The procedure typically requires the patient to be positioned on an X-ray table with their back exposed, ensuring optimal access to the injection site. Prior to the injection, the area is cleansed, and a local anesthetic is applied to minimize discomfort. Fluoroscopic guidance, which is a type of real-time imaging, is utilized to accurately insert a spinal needle or cannula into the appropriate space. A small amount of contrast material is injected to confirm the correct positioning of the needle or cannula before the neurolytic substance is administered. It is important to note that different CPT codes are used for various levels of injection: CPT® Code 62280 is designated for subarachnoid injections at any spinal level, CPT® Code 62281 is for epidural injections in the cervical or thoracic regions, and CPT® Code 62282 is specifically for epidural injections in the lumbar or sacral (caudal) region.