Inj paravert f jnt l/s 1 lev

What is CPT Code 64493?

Paravertebral facet joint injection at the lumbar or sacral level, first joint. Corticosteroids or anesthetic injected into the facet joints of the lower spine to treat facet-mediated low back pain or arthritis.

The Medicare reimbursement rate shown above is the amount the federal government has determined is a reasonable payment for this service. Hospitals and providers that participate in Medicare have agreed to accept these rates from Medicare patients.

Who typically bills this:Pain management specialist or interventional radiologist

Common Billing Errors for CPT 64493

• !64494 (additional facet level) billed without documentation of treatment at separate spinal levels
• !Imaging guidance (fluoroscopy 77003 or ultrasound 76942) billed separately when it is bundled
• !Medial branch blocks and facet injections billed as separate procedures for the same joint target

Red Flags on Your Bill

Negotiation Tips for CPT 64493

1. 1Like transforaminal injections, imaging guidance is required and bundled — do not accept a separate charge
2. 2If a series of three facet injections was performed, get the total cost for the series in writing before starting
3. 3Confirm whether this is a diagnostic (medial branch block) or therapeutic (facet steroid) injection — coding differs

Codes That Often Appear With This One

These CPT codes commonly appear on the same bill. Review each one to spot potential bundling errors or duplicate charges.

Found CPT 64493 on Your Bill?

If you see CPT code 64493 on a hospital or medical bill, compare the charged amount to the Medicare rate above. If your bill shows a significantly higher charge, you may have grounds to negotiate.

1. Note the amount charged for CPT 64493 on your itemized bill
2. Compare it to the Medicare rate above — calculate the markup
3. Call the billing department and use the Medicare rate as your anchor:“I see CPT code 64493 billed at [amount]. The Medicare rate for this procedure is $180.24. I'd like to discuss a fair adjustment.”