CPT® Code 72295

The CPT® Code 72295 refers to the procedure known as discography, specifically focusing on the lumbar region of the spine. This procedure involves the use of radiological supervision and interpretation to document images of the lumbar intervertebral disc. Discography is primarily performed to assess whether an abnormality in the intervertebral disc is contributing to a patient's back pain. During the procedure, the patient is typically positioned on their side to facilitate access to the lumbar area. The injection site is meticulously cleansed with an antiseptic solution to minimize the risk of infection. Following this, a local anesthetic is administered to ensure the patient's comfort during the procedure. A large-bore needle is then carefully advanced through the skin to reach the targeted lumbar disc. Subsequently, a specialized discography needle is inserted through the initial needle and into the center of the disc. At this point, a contrast agent is injected into the disc, allowing for enhanced visualization. Radiographs, or X-ray images, are obtained under radiological supervision to capture the necessary details of the disc. After the completion of the procedure, a formal interpretation of the findings is provided, which is essential for determining the underlying causes of the patient's back pain. The code 72295 is specifically reported for the radiological supervision during the discography and the subsequent written interpretation of the results.