Advanced Search

Anesthesia Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Facet Rhizotomy Depends on Surgeon

Published on Fri Feb 13, 2004

Question: What are the correct surgical and anesthesia codes for facet rhizotomy?

Tennessee Subscriber Answer: Coders differ on the best code choice for rhizotomy. Some suggest 63600 (Creation of lesion of spinal cord by stereotactic method, percutaneous, any modality [including stimulation and/or recording]), while others report the appropriate code from the 64622-64627 range (codes related to Destruction by neurolytic agent, paravertebral facet joint nerve), depending on the spinal region and number of nerves treated.

A pain management specialist might perform the rhizotomy, but neurosurgeons and orthopedists perform it more often. If one of these other specialists performs the rhizotomy, you would only report the procedure's anesthesia.

If the surgeon reports 63600, the anesthesia code is 00730 (Anesthesia for procedures on upper posterior abdominal wall). Codes 64622-64627 cross to anesthesia code 01992 (Anesthesia for diagnostic or therapeutic nerve blocks and injections [when block or injection is performed by a different provider]; prone position).
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Anesthesia Coding Alert

View All