CMM-201: Facet Joint Injections/Medial Branch Blocks

Covers fluoroscopic- or CT‑guided diagnostic facet joint injections and medial branch blocks (C2‑3 to L5‑S1) to confirm facet‑mediated chronic neck or low back pain — including one confirmatory block when the initial block yields ≥80% pain relief and RFA is being considered, and intra‑articular injection with synovial cyst aspiration for imaging‑confirmed cyst‑caused radiculopathy — but excludes therapeutic repeat injections (except limited cases), nonstandard injectates, ultrasound‑guided procedures, injections at posteriorly fused segments (except pseudoarthrosis), same‑day regional injections, >3 levels per session, additional blocks after successful RFA, and other non‑necessary uses. Key requirements: documented facet‑loading exam, ≥4 weeks of conservative treatment (or documented contraindication), imaging excluding other causes, fluoroscopic/CT guidance, documentation of ≥80% relief for the expected anesthetic duration to establish positivity, and record of levels/laterality (≤3) with rationale for exceptions; sedation is not recommended.