22511 Percutaneous lumbosacral injection
Also known as: Percutaneous lumbosacral injection, Lumbar discography
Percutaneous injection of contrast and/or therapeutic substance into lumbosacral vertebral body or intervertebral disc, under imaging guidance, performed on a single vertebral segment.
In Plain Language
Needle injection into lower back bone; Lumbar spine injection
Clinical Context
Performed for diagnostic discography to assess disc integrity and pain generators, or therapeutic injection of steroids and local anesthetics in the lumbosacral region.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 7.15 |
| Total RVU | 7.15 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 10-day global period — follow-up visits within 10 days of the procedure are included in the reimbursement. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 7.15, this code ranks in the 46th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.1x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 22511?
CPT 22511 (Percutaneous lumbosacral injection) is a Surgery code. Percutaneous injection of contrast and/or therapeutic substance into lumbosacral vertebral body or intervertebral disc, under imaging guidance, performed on a single vertebral segment.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 22511?
The work RVU for CPT 22511 is 7.15. This code is primarily used by Interventional Radiology, Pain Management, Spine Surgery. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 22511 used?
Performed for diagnostic discography to assess disc integrity and pain generators, or therapeutic injection of steroids and local anesthetics in the lumbosacral region.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.