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CPT®
62310

CPT® Code 62310
Deleted

Code deleted. See 62320.

Official Description

Injection(s), of diagnostic or therapeutic substance(s) (including anesthetic, antispasmodic, opioid, steroid, other solution), not including neurolytic substances, including needle or catheter placement, includes contrast for localization when performed, epidural or subarachnoid; cervical or thoracic

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Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 62310 involves the injection of diagnostic or therapeutic substances into the epidural or subarachnoid space of the cervical or thoracic regions of the spine. This procedure is performed to alleviate pain or to diagnose conditions affecting the spinal area. Prior to the injection, the skin over the targeted spinal region is thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic solution to minimize the risk of infection. A local anesthetic is then administered to numb the area, ensuring patient comfort during the procedure. A spinal needle is carefully inserted through the skin and advanced into the epidural or subarachnoid space, which are critical areas surrounding the spinal cord. To confirm the accurate placement of the needle, contrast material may be injected, which can also assist in performing an epidurography, a diagnostic imaging technique. Following the injection of the therapeutic substance—such as an anesthetic, antispasmodic, opioid, steroid, or other non-neurolytic solutions—the patient is monitored for a period of 15 to 20 minutes to observe for any potential adverse effects from the injection. It is important to note that this code is specifically used for injections in the cervical or thoracic regions, while a different code, CPT® 62311, is designated for lumbar or sacral injections.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 62310 is indicated for various conditions that may require diagnostic or therapeutic intervention in the cervical or thoracic regions of the spine. The following are explicitly provided indications for this procedure:

  • Pain Management: This procedure is often performed to alleviate chronic pain conditions affecting the cervical or thoracic spine.
  • Diagnostic Evaluation: It may be utilized to diagnose specific spinal conditions by delivering contrast material for imaging purposes.
  • Neurological Symptoms: Patients experiencing neurological symptoms, such as radiculopathy or myelopathy, may benefit from this intervention.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 62310 involves several critical steps to ensure safe and effective delivery of the therapeutic or diagnostic substance. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Preparation of the Injection Site The skin over the spinal region targeted for injection is first cleansed with an antiseptic solution. This step is crucial to reduce the risk of infection at the injection site.
  • Step 2: Administration of Local Anesthetic A local anesthetic is then injected into the area to numb the skin and surrounding tissues, providing comfort to the patient during the procedure.
  • Step 3: Needle Insertion A spinal needle is carefully inserted through the skin and advanced into the epidural or subarachnoid space. Precise placement is essential for the effectiveness of the procedure.
  • Step 4: Contrast Injection (if applicable) If necessary, contrast material may be injected to confirm the proper placement of the needle or to facilitate an epidurography, which helps visualize the spinal structures.
  • Step 5: Injection of Therapeutic Substance Following confirmation of needle placement, a diagnostic or therapeutic substance—such as an anesthetic, antispasmodic, opioid, steroid, or other solution excluding neurolytic substances—is injected into the epidural or subarachnoid space.
  • Step 6: Post-Injection Monitoring After the injection, the patient is monitored for 15 to 20 minutes to ensure there are no adverse effects from the procedure, allowing for immediate intervention if necessary.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the injection performed under CPT® Code 62310 includes monitoring the patient for any immediate adverse reactions, which typically lasts for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, healthcare professionals observe the patient for signs of complications such as allergic reactions, infection, or neurological deficits. Patients may be advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a short period following the procedure. Additionally, they may receive instructions regarding pain management and any follow-up appointments necessary to assess the effectiveness of the injection and to monitor for any delayed side effects.
Short Descr INJECT SPINE CERV/THORACIC
Medium Descr NJX DX/THER SBST EPIDURAL/SUBRACH CERV/THORACIC
Long Descr Injection(s), of diagnostic or therapeutic substance(s) (including anesthetic, antispasmodic, opioid, steroid, other solution), not including neurolytic substances, including needle or catheter placement, includes contrast for localization when performed, epidural or subarachnoid; cervical or thoracic
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 9 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6B - Minor procedures - musculoskeletal
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 5 - Insertion of catheter or spinal stimulator and injection into spinal canal
Date
Action
Notes
2016-12-31 Deleted Code deleted. See 62320.
2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed.
2012-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2000-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2000.
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