Advanced Search

Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Single Nerve = Single Code for Nerve Destruction

Published on Thu May 13, 2004

Question: Our surgeon performed three cryodenervations of the 11th intercostal nerve on the right side. How should we report this?

South Carolina Subscriber Answer: Because the physician injected only one nerve three times, you should report one unit of 64620 (Destruction by neurolytic agent, intercostal nerve). According to Palmetto's (South Carolina's Part B carrier) local medical review policy, "When neurolysis has been performed for multiple levels, use the CPT 64620 on the second or subsequent lines with modifier -51 (Multiple procedures)." You should not report additional units of 64620, therefore, unless you perform the cryodenervation at more than one level (such as the 10th and 11th intercostal nerves). -- Clinical and coding expertise for You Be the Coder and Reader Questions provided by Eric Sandham, CHC, CPC, compliance manager for Central California Faculty Medical Group, a group practice and training facility associated with the University of California at San Francisco in Fresno.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Neurosurgery Coding Alert

View All