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CPT®
62318

CPT® Code 62318
Deleted

Code deleted. See 62324.

Official Description

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

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 62318 involves the injection of diagnostic or therapeutic substances into the epidural or subarachnoid space, specifically in the cervical or thoracic regions. This procedure includes the placement of an indwelling catheter, which allows for either continuous infusion or intermittent bolus administration of various substances. The substances that may be injected include anesthetics, antispasmodics, opioids, steroids, and other solutions, but do not include neurolytic substances. The process begins with the cleansing of the skin at the catheterization site using an antiseptic solution, followed by the administration of a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. A spinal needle is then carefully inserted into the skin and advanced into the targeted space. To confirm the correct placement of the needle, contrast may be injected, which can also assist in performing an epidurography. Once the needle is properly positioned, a catheter is threaded through it and advanced into the epidural or subarachnoid space, typically by 3-4 cm to ensure secure placement. After the catheter is in place, the therapeutic or diagnostic substance is administered, and the patient is monitored for 15-20 minutes to observe for any adverse reactions. This procedure is essential for managing pain and delivering medication directly to the spinal area, enhancing therapeutic outcomes for patients.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 62318 is indicated for various conditions that require targeted pain management or therapeutic intervention in the cervical or thoracic regions. The following are specific indications for this procedure:

  • Chronic Pain Management Patients suffering from chronic pain conditions may benefit from the administration of anesthetics or opioids directly into the epidural or subarachnoid space to alleviate discomfort.
  • Spinal Disorders Conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or other spinal disorders that cause significant pain may warrant this procedure for effective treatment.
  • Neuropathic Pain Patients experiencing neuropathic pain may require the use of antispasmodics or other therapeutic substances to manage their symptoms effectively.
  • Post-Surgical Pain Following certain surgical procedures, patients may require additional pain management strategies, which can be achieved through this injection technique.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 62318 involves several critical steps to ensure safe and effective administration of the therapeutic or diagnostic substances. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Preparation The skin over the site designated for catheterization is thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic solution to minimize the risk of infection. This step is crucial for maintaining a sterile environment during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Anesthesia A local anesthetic is injected into the area to reduce discomfort for the patient during the procedure. This helps to ensure that the patient remains comfortable throughout the process.
  • Step 3: Needle Insertion A spinal needle is carefully inserted through the skin and advanced into the epidural or subarachnoid space. Precision is essential in this step to avoid complications and ensure proper placement.
  • Step 4: Contrast Injection If necessary, contrast material may be injected to confirm the correct placement of the needle. This step can also facilitate an epidurography, which provides imaging of the epidural space.
  • Step 5: Catheter Placement Once the needle is confirmed to be in the correct position, a catheter is threaded through the needle and advanced into the epidural or subarachnoid space, typically by 3-4 cm. This ensures that the catheter is securely placed for effective medication delivery.
  • Step 6: Substance Administration After the catheter is in place, a diagnostic or therapeutic substance, such as an anesthetic, antispasmodic, opioid, or steroid, is administered either as a continuous infusion or through intermittent bolus injections into the epidural or subarachnoid space.
  • Step 7: Monitoring Following the administration of the substance, the patient is monitored for 15-20 minutes to observe for any adverse effects or complications resulting from the injection.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the procedure associated with CPT® Code 62318, patients are typically monitored for a short period to ensure that they do not experience any immediate adverse reactions to the injected substances. It is essential to observe the patient for signs of complications, such as increased pain, neurological deficits, or allergic reactions. Depending on the patient's response, further instructions regarding activity levels, pain management, and follow-up appointments may be provided. Patients may also be advised on signs and symptoms to watch for that would necessitate immediate medical attention. Overall, the post-procedure care is crucial for ensuring patient safety and the effectiveness of the treatment administered.
Short Descr INJECT SPINE W/CATH CRV/THRC
Medium Descr NJXS INFUS/BOLUS DX/SBST EDRL/SUBARACH CRV/THRC
Long Descr Injection(s), including indwelling catheter placement, continuous infusion or intermittent bolus, of diagnostic or therapeutic substance(s) (including anesthetic, antispasmodic, opioid, steroid, other solution), not including neurolytic substances, 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 62324.
2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed.
2012-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2000-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2000.
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