Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Tip: Narrow anatomy options to simplify code selection. When your pain management specialist treats trigeminal neuralgia, verifying the site and structure approached makes all the difference in your coding. Read on for four simple steps toward coding success and deserved payment. Brush Up On Anatomy BasicsKnowing cranial nerve anatomy simplifies your code selection. The trigeminal nerve is the largest cranial nerve, and is a mixed nerve with a predominant sensory component. It mainly supplies innervations to the face through the three branches: the ophthalmic nerve (V1), the maxillary nerve (V2), and the mandibular nerve (V3). The three nerves converge on the trigeminal ganglion that contains cell bodies of the incoming sensory fibers. Terminology: The trigeminal ganglion is also called the semilunar ganglion or the gasserian ganglion. Check your health professionals for these terms as well as "trigeminal ganglion." "The gasserian ganglion is a bundle of nerve cells where the trigeminal [...]