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Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Base Dorsolateral Nerve Block on Injection Type

Published on Mon Mar 22, 2004

Question: What is the best CPT code for a dorso-lateral sacral nerve branch block?

Virginia Subscriber Answer: The answer depends on whether the neurologist administers an epidural, a facet joint, or other type of injection.

Consider 64483 (Injection, anesthetic agent and/or steroid, transforaminal epidural; lumbar or sacral, single level) if the physician administers the block transforaminally. Select 64475 (Injection, anesthetic agent and/or steroid, paravertebral facet joint or facet joint nerve; lumbar or sacral, single level) if he performs a facet joint injection.

If neither of these codes fits the procedure, you should report 64450 (Injection, anesthetic agent; other peripheral nerve or branch).
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