Billing and Coding: Sacroiliac Joint Injections and Procedures

Refer to the Local Coverage Determination (LCD) L39475 Sacroiliac Joint
Injections and Procedures for reasonable and necessary requirements and
frequency limitations.

The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes included in this article may be
subject to National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits or OPPS packaging
edits. Please refer to the [NCCI
requirements](https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coding-billing/ncci-medicare).

**Coding Guidance** Providers should refer to the applicable AMA CPT Manual to
assist with proper reporting of these services.

Notice: It is not appropriate to bill Medicare for services that are not
covered (as described by the entire LCD) as if they are covered. When billing
for non-covered services, use the appropriate modifier.

This policy applies only to sacroiliac joint injections (SIJI) and procedures
and does not apply to other joint procedures (such as facet, sacroiliitis,
epidural or other spinal procedures).

Diagnostic and Therapeutic procedures:

Sacroiliac joint injections may be performed unilateral or bilateral in the
same session.

For professional services performed by the physician and billed on a CMS 1500
or electronic equivalent:

Bilateral SIJIs procedures reported with CPT 27096 or 64451 should be reported
with modifier 50. If a unilateral joint injection (CPT 27096) is performed and
a unilateral sacral nerve block (CPT 64451) is performed on the contralateral
side **do not report** modifier 50 with either code. Do not report a
sacroiliac joint injection (CPT 27096) and a sacral nerve block (CPT 64451)
for the same side, per the policy.

For services performed in the Hospital Outpatient Department (TOB 13X) or an
Ambulatory Surgical Center:

ASC facility claims (specialty 49) report bilateral procedures on two separate
lines, with one unit each. Modifiers -LT and -RT are appended to each line.
ASC facilities should not report modifier 50. Professional services performed
in the ASC should continue to report bilateral procedures with modifier 50.

CPT 27096 is not a covered service for ASC facility (specialty 49) claims and
is not recognized under OPPS. ASC facilities and OPPS hospital outpatient
departments should report HCPCS code G0260 for sacroiliac joint injections.
G0260 should be reported with an imaging code specific to the imaging modality
employed. Report CPT 77002 for fluoroscopic guidance or CPT 77012 for CT
guidance in the ASC and the hospital outpatient department. Injections of the
nerves innervating the sacroiliac joint should be reported with CPT 64451. CPT
64451 includes imaging guidance. Imaging codes should not be reported with CPT
64451.

Critical Access Hospitals (TOB 85X) should report sacroiliac joint injection
with CPT 27096 and a sacral nerve block with CPT 64451. Bilateral injections
should be reported using modifier 50. If a unilateral sacroiliac joint
injection (CPT 27096) is performed and a unilateral sacral nerve block (CPT
64451) is performed on the contralateral side do not report modifier 50 with
either code. Do not report a sacroiliac joint injection (CPT 27096) and a
sacral nerve block (CPT 64451) for the same side, per the policy.

Physician services in an ASC setting should report codes as noted above in the
section on Professional services performed by the physician.

**KX modifier requirements:**

The KX modifier should be appended to the line for all diagnostic injections.
The KX modifier will only be used for the initial diagnostic injections.
Repeat diagnostic injections beyond the first one or two required to confirm
the diagnosis, after beginning treatment are not reasonable and necessary.  
  
 **Utilization Parameters**  
No more than two (2) diagnostic joint sessions (CPT codes 27096 AND/OR 64451),
unilateral or bilateral, will be considered reasonable and necessary,
regardless of the code billed.  
  
No more than four (4) therapeutic SIJI sessions (CPT codes 27096 AND/OR
64451), unilateral or bilateral, will be reimbursed per rolling 12 months
regardless of the code billed.

**Documentation Requirements**

  1. All documentation must be maintained in the patient's medical record and made available to the contractor upon request.
  2. Every page of the record must be legible and include appropriate patient identification information (e.g., complete name, dates of service[s]). The documentation must include the legible signature of the physician or non-physician practitioner responsible for and providing the care to the patient.
  3. The submitted medical record must support the use of the selected ICD-10-CM code(s). The submitted CPT/HCPCS code must describe the service performed.
  4. The procedural report should clearly document the indications and medical necessity for the blocks along with the pre and post percent (%) pain relief achieved immediately post-injection.
  5. Films that adequately document (minimum of 2 views) final needle position and contrast flow should be retained and made available upon request.
  6. The patient's medical record should include, but is not limited to: 
    * The assessment of the patient by the performing provider as it relates to the complaint of the patient for that visit
    * Relevant medical history
    * Results of pertinent tests/procedures
    * Signed and dated office visit record/operative report (Please note that all services ordered or rendered to Medicare beneficiaries must be signed.)
    * Documentation to support the medical necessity of the procedure(s).

**Use of Biologicals**

There are currently no FDA approved biologicals for use as injectable agents
into the sacroiliac joint. The inclusion of biological and/or other non-FDA
approved substances in the injectant may result in denial of the entire claim
based on Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, Chapter 16, Section 180 [Medicare
Benefit Policy Manual (cms.gov)](https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-
Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/Downloads/bp102c16.pdf). Amniotic and placenta
derived injectants, and platelet rich plasma and vitamins fall in this
category.