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CPT®
62311

CPT® Code 62311
Deleted

Code deleted. See 62322.

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; lumbar or sacral (caudal)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 62311 involves the injection of diagnostic or therapeutic substances into the lumbar or sacral regions of the spine, specifically targeting the epidural or subarachnoid spaces. 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 using 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 appropriate space, either the epidural or subarachnoid. To confirm the correct placement of the needle, contrast material may be injected, which can also assist in performing an epidurography if necessary. Following the injection of the therapeutic or diagnostic 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 adverse reactions. It is important to note that this code is specifically for injections in the lumbar or sacral region, while CPT® Code 62310 is designated for similar procedures in the cervical or thoracic regions.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 62311 is indicated for various conditions that may require diagnostic or therapeutic intervention in the lumbar or sacral 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 lower back and legs.
  • Diagnostic Evaluation - It may be utilized to diagnose specific spinal conditions by delivering contrast material for imaging purposes.
  • Inflammatory Conditions - Conditions such as radiculopathy or other inflammatory disorders may warrant the use of therapeutic substances to reduce inflammation and pain.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 62311 involves several critical steps to ensure safe and effective delivery of the therapeutic or diagnostic substances. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • 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.
  • Administration of Local Anesthetic - A local anesthetic is then injected into the area to numb the skin and surrounding tissues, enhancing patient comfort during the procedure.
  • Needle Insertion - A spinal needle is carefully inserted through the skin and advanced into the epidural or subarachnoid space. Precision in this step is vital to ensure that the needle reaches the correct anatomical location.
  • Contrast Injection for Localization - If necessary, contrast material may be injected to confirm the proper placement of the needle. This step can also facilitate an epidurography, which is an imaging technique used to visualize the epidural space.
  • Injection of Therapeutic or Diagnostic Substance - Following confirmation of needle placement, a diagnostic or therapeutic substance is injected into the epidural or subarachnoid space. This substance may include anesthetics, antispasmodics, opioids, steroids, or other solutions, excluding neurolytic substances.
  • Post-Injection Monitoring - After the injection, the patient is monitored for 15 to 20 minutes to observe for any immediate adverse effects or reactions to the injected substance.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the injection performed under CPT® Code 62311 includes monitoring the patient for any adverse reactions or complications that may arise from the injection. Patients are typically observed for a duration of 15 to 20 minutes to ensure stability and to address any immediate concerns. It is important for healthcare providers to assess the patient's response to the injected substance, including pain relief and any potential side effects. Patients may be advised on activity restrictions or follow-up care based on their individual response to the procedure. Documentation of the procedure and the patient's response is essential for ongoing care and future treatment planning.
Short Descr INJECT SPINE LUMBAR/SACRAL
Medium Descr NJX DX/THER SBST EPIDURAL/SUBARACH LUMBAR/SACRAL
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; lumbar or sacral (caudal)
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 62322.
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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