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Anesthesia Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

64622 Can Be RF of Ramus Communicans (Maybe)

Published on Sun Jun 18, 2006

Question: Our physician has begun performing radiofrequency of the ramus communicans. Does CPT have a better code choice than an unlisted procedure?

North Carolina Subscriber
 
Answer: CPT does not include a code specific to this procedure, which means coders have differing opinions on the best alternative.
 
Some coders recommend 64620 (Destruction by neurolytic agent, intercostal nerve). Other coders say the ramus communicans block is not the same as an intercostals block, so 64622 (Destruction by neurolytic agent, paravertebral facet joint nerve; lumbar or sacral, single level) is more appropriate.
 
If your physician does not think either of these codes is accurate, report 64999 (Unlisted procedure, nervous system).
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