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The CPT® Code 72285 refers to a specific medical procedure known as discography, which is performed on the cervical or thoracic regions of the spine. This procedure involves the use of radiological supervision and interpretation to document images of the intervertebral discs located in these areas. Discography is primarily utilized to assess whether an abnormality in the intervertebral disc is contributing to a patient's back pain. During the procedure, a patient is typically positioned on their side, and the injection site is meticulously cleansed with an antiseptic solution to minimize the risk of infection. A local anesthetic is then administered to ensure the patient's comfort during the procedure. Following this, a large-bore needle is carefully advanced through the skin to reach the targeted cervical or thoracic disc. A specialized discography needle is subsequently inserted through the initial needle and directed into the center of the disc. At this point, a contrast agent is injected into the disc, allowing for enhanced imaging. Radiographs, or X-ray images, are obtained under the supervision of a qualified radiologist, who also provides a formal interpretation of the findings after the procedure is completed. The code 72285 is specifically reported for the radiological supervision and the written interpretation that follows the discography procedure.
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The procedure described by CPT® Code 72285 is indicated for patients experiencing back pain that may be associated with abnormalities in the cervical or thoracic intervertebral discs. The following conditions or symptoms may warrant the performance of a discography:
The procedure for CPT® Code 72285 involves several critical steps to ensure accurate imaging and assessment of the intervertebral discs. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the completion of the discography procedure, the patient may be monitored for any immediate adverse reactions to the contrast agent or the procedure itself. It is common for patients to experience some discomfort at the injection site, which typically resolves within a short period. The radiologist will provide a formal interpretation of the images obtained during the procedure, which will be documented in a written report. This report is crucial for guiding further management and treatment decisions based on the findings of the discography. Patients may be advised on any necessary follow-up appointments or additional imaging studies that may be required based on the results of the procedure.
| Short Descr | DISCOGRAPHY CERV/THOR SPINE | Medium Descr | DISKOGRAPY CERVICAL/THORACIC RS&I | Long Descr | Discography, cervical or thoracic, radiological supervision and interpretation | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - 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 | T-Packaged Codes | ASC Payment Indicator | Packaged service/item; no separate payment made. | Type of Service (TOS) | 4 - Diagnostic Radiology | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | I4B - Imaging/procedure - other | MUE | 4 | CCS Clinical Classification | 209 - Radioisotope scan and function studies |
| TC | Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles | 26 | Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number. | 76 | Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 52 | Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use). | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | PC | Wrong surgery or other invasive procedure on patient | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Short Descriptor changed. |
| 2007-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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