Reader Questions:
Payer Guidelines Dictate Multilevel Reporting
Published on Wed Feb 02, 2011
Question: When billing for multilevel radiofrequency, we report 64622 for the first level and +64623 for each additional level up to a total of four. Our payers deny the fourth level as a duplicate, even when we append a modifier. How should we differentiate between the third and fourth levels so they'll both be reimbursed? New Jersey Subscriber Answer: You're correct in reporting 64622 (Destruction by neurolytic agent, paravertebral facet joint nerve; lumbar or sacral, single level) for the first level and +64623 (...lumbar or sacral, each additional level [List separately in addition to code for primary procedure]) for additional levels. Option: You might need to include an additional note stating "3 additional levels" next to +64623. If all the levels were on the same side, you could also bill the add-on codes as a single line item and 3 in the "units of service" field, 24G of the 1500 [...]