CPT® Code 62290

Discography is a diagnostic procedure utilized to assess whether an intervertebral disc abnormality is the underlying cause of a patient's back pain. This procedure involves the injection of a contrast material into the disc space, allowing for detailed imaging and evaluation of the disc's condition. During the procedure, the patient is typically positioned on their side to facilitate access to the lumbar region. The injection site is meticulously cleansed with an antiseptic solution to minimize the risk of infection. Following this, a local anesthetic is administered to ensure the patient's comfort during the procedure. A large-bore needle is then carefully advanced through the skin and into the disc space, guided by fluoroscopic supervision, which is a separate reportable service. Once the needle is correctly positioned, a specialized discography needle is inserted through the initial needle and directed into the center of the disc. At this point, a contrast agent is injected into the disc, and radiographs (X-rays) are obtained to visualize the disc's structure and any potential abnormalities. It is important to note that this procedure can be performed on multiple discs, and each level injected is reported separately using the appropriate CPT® codes. For lumbar discs, the code 62290 is used, while for cervical or thoracic discs, the code 62291 is applicable.