September 7, 2017

Question:
I heard that Medicare now pays for fluoroscopy with some injection codes. Is that true?

Answer:
Yes, in 2017, fluoroscopy codes, codes +70002 and +77003 (see code descriptions below) have been revised and are now add-on codes. Under each code in the CPT manual, the primary codes these imaging codes may be used with are listed. These include some joint and nerve injections, among others.  Medicare also deleted edits for these codes and the injection codes listed in the CPT manual. So Medicare will pay for the fluoroscopy. Make sure you document the imaging and retain a permanent image.

 

CPT Code	Description
+77003	Fluoroscopic guidance for needle placement (e.g., biopsy, aspiration, injection, localization device) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
+77003	Fluoroscopic guidance and localization of needle or catheter tip for spine or paraspinous diagnostic or therapeutic injection procedures (epidural or subarachnoid) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure.)

*This response is based on the best information available as of 09/07/17.