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Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Use Alternative for Glossopharyngeal Nerve Code

Published on Sun Jan 02, 2005

Question: How should I code a glossopharyngeal nerve block?


Montana Subscriber


Answer: The glossopharyngeal nerve is the ninth cranial nerve. Unlike for other cranial nerves, you won't find a specific CPT code for blocking the glosso-pharyngeal. Look at 64450 (Injection, anesthetic agent; other peripheral nerve or branch) as a possibility. You might check with your providers to see if they are OK with the "peripheral nerve" description.
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