Add Four Choices To Your Transforaminal Epidural Option

By Author: Angela Martin
Total Articles: 206
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In July, the new category III codes were announced. As such, you should prepare yourself for new transforaminal epidural codes just going into effect or that you will start using January 1 next year.
Start using just-in Transforaminal choices
The AMA released four new transforaminal injection codes this January and they went into effect on July 1. As such, you should update your systems accordingly: 0228T, 0229T, 0230T, 0231T.
The additions finally give medical coders specific choices for epidural steroid injections. Earlier, you resorted to submitting the best-fitting choice from 64479-64484 for the injection and 76942 for the ultra sound.
Now most chronic pain patients are referred to pain clinics instead of visiting a neurologist's office. However being aware of the new codes comes in handy for patients who find their way to your practice.
But prior to filing your first claim with 0228T-0231T, pay attention to parenthetical notes about techniques and guidance associated with the code family.
Different technique changes codes
The just-in codes apply when the doctor uses ultrasound ...
... guidance while administering transforaminal epidural injections. However other codes apply when your provider opts for fluoroscopy or CT guidance.
In those situations, notes point you to injection codes 64479-64484.
As 0228T-0231T specify with ultrasound guidance", you will not require to bill additional radiology needle guidance codes for the service. Notes state that you shouldn't report the new transforaminal epidural codes with 76942, 76998, 76999.
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