62270 Diagnosis lumbar spinal puncture
Also known as: lumbar puncture diagnostic, spinal tap diagnostic, cerebrospinal fluid sampling, lumbar puncture, spinal tap, LP, CSF collection
Diagnostic lumbar or lower spinal puncture for sampling cerebrospinal fluid and diagnostic testing. Does not include therapeutic injection.
In Plain Language
spinal fluid test; lumbar puncture for diagnosis
Clinical Context
Used for diagnostic cerebrospinal fluid analysis in cases of suspected meningitis, encephalitis, or other central nervous system infections.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.19 |
| Total RVU | 1.19 |
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 0-day global period, meaning pre- and post-operative E&M visits are billable separately on the same day. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 1.19, this code ranks in the 6th percentile among Surgery codes — 6.7x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 62270?
CPT 62270 (Diagnosis lumbar spinal puncture) is a Surgery code. Diagnostic lumbar or lower spinal puncture for sampling cerebrospinal fluid and diagnostic testing. Does not include therapeutic injection.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 62270?
The work RVU for CPT 62270 is 1.19. This code is primarily used by Neurology, Internal Medicine.
When is CPT 62270 used?
Used for diagnostic cerebrospinal fluid analysis in cases of suspected meningitis, encephalitis, or other central nervous system infections.
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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.