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Code Deleted Effective Jan 1, 2010 - See instead codes 64493-64495.

Official Description

Injection, anesthetic agent and/or steroid, paravertebral facet joint or facet joint nerve; lumbar or sacral, single level

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 64475 involves the injection of an anesthetic agent and/or steroid into the paravertebral facet joint or the facet joint nerve located in the lumbar or sacral region of the spine. This procedure is typically performed to alleviate pain or reduce inflammation in the lower back, which can be caused by various conditions affecting the spine. The facet joints are small joints located between the vertebrae, and they play a crucial role in providing stability and facilitating movement in the spine. By injecting medication directly into these joints, the physician aims to provide targeted relief from pain, which may be due to arthritis, injury, or other degenerative conditions. It is important to note that if additional joints require injection, CPT® Code 64476 should be used for each subsequent joint treated, ensuring accurate coding and billing for the services rendered.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The injection of an anesthetic agent and/or steroid into the paravertebral facet joint or facet joint nerve is indicated for various conditions that cause pain or inflammation in the lumbar or sacral regions. These indications may include:

  • Chronic lower back pain resulting from degenerative joint disease or arthritis affecting the facet joints.
  • Facet joint syndrome, characterized by pain originating from the facet joints due to inflammation or injury.
  • Post-surgical pain in patients who have undergone spinal surgery and are experiencing persistent discomfort in the lumbar or sacral areas.
  • Radiculopathy where nerve root compression may lead to pain radiating from the lower back into the legs.

2. Procedure

The procedure for administering an injection into the paravertebral facet joint or facet joint nerve involves several key steps:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation The patient is positioned comfortably, typically lying face down, to allow access to the lumbar or sacral region. The area of injection is cleaned and sterilized to minimize the risk of infection.
  • Step 2: Imaging Guidance In many cases, fluoroscopy or ultrasound may be used to visualize the facet joint accurately. This imaging guidance helps ensure that the needle is placed precisely in the target area.
  • Step 3: Injection of Medication Once the needle is correctly positioned, the physician injects the anesthetic agent and/or steroid into the facet joint or nerve. The medication works to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the affected area.
  • Step 4: Post-Injection Monitoring After the injection, the patient is monitored for a short period to assess for any immediate adverse reactions and to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the injection, patients may experience immediate relief from pain, although it can take several days for the full effects of the steroid to manifest. It is common for patients to be advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a short period after the procedure. Additionally, some patients may be instructed to apply ice to the injection site to reduce swelling and discomfort. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the effectiveness of the injection and to determine if further treatment is necessary. It is important for patients to report any unusual symptoms or side effects to their healthcare provider promptly.

Short Descr INJ PARAVERTEBRAL L/S
Medium Descr INJ PARAVERTEBRAL L/S
Long Descr NJX ANES&/STRD JT NRV LMBR/SAC 1 LVL
APC Status Indicator Significant Procedure, Multiple Reduction Applies
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 5 - Insertion of catheter or spinal stimulator and injection into spinal canal
Date
Action
Notes
2010-01-01 Deleted Code Deleted Effective Jan 1, 2010 - See instead codes 64493-64495.
2000-01-01 Added Code added.
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