CPT® Code 64480

Add-On Code

Injection(s), anesthetic agent(s) and/or steroid; transforaminal epidural, with imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or CT), cervical or thoracic, each additional level (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

A transforaminal epidural injection is a medical procedure designed to deliver anesthetic agents and/or steroids directly around a specific nerve root. This procedure is particularly useful for patients experiencing pain or discomfort that may be related to nerve root irritation or inflammation. The foramina are small openings located between the vertebrae through which nerve roots exit the spinal canal. During the procedure, the skin over the affected cervical or thoracic vertebra is thoroughly cleansed and prepared to minimize the risk of infection. Utilizing advanced imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) or fluoroscopy, a healthcare provider carefully advances a needle through the skin and into the foramen, ensuring precise placement. To confirm the correct positioning of the needle, a small amount of radiopaque contrast material may be injected, which enhances the visibility of the needle on imaging. Once the needle is correctly positioned, the anesthetic and/or steroid is injected around the nerve root, providing targeted relief from pain and inflammation. It is important to note that CPT® Code 64480 is specifically used for each additional level of injection performed, following the primary procedure coded with 64479, which is designated for a single cervical or thoracic level injection.