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Anesthesia Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Neurolytic Block

Published on Thu Feb 01, 2001

Question: How do I code for a lumbar sympathetic neurolytic block with phenol or alcohol?

Florida Subscriber

Answer: Several codes can possibly be justified, depending on the circumstances. You could use either 00300 (anesthesia for all procedures on the integumentary system, muscles and nerves of head, neck, and posterior trunk, not otherwise specified) or 01922 (anesthesia for non-invasive imaging or radiation therapy) because these blocks are usually done with a fluoroscope. Many coders will say that 00630 (anesthesia for procedures in lumbar region; not otherwise specified) also is billable. Using surgical codes, look at 64622 (destruction by neurolytic agent, paravertebral facet joint nerve; lumbar or sacral, single level) and 64623 (; lumbar or sacral, each additional level), depending on the number of levels used.
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