Advanced Search

Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

64680 Covers Splanchnic Block

Published on Wed Sep 08, 2010

Question: Our pain management specialist administered a neurolytic celiac plexus block and bilateral splanchnic nerve block. What codes should we report?Utah SubscriberAnswer: Submit 64680 (Destruction by neurolytic agent, with or without radiologic monitoring; celiac plexus) with one unit of service.Explanation: Code 64680's descriptor simplifies your choice for the celiac plexus block. The celiac plexus is a network of ganglia and nerves, including the greater and lesser splanchnic, which is why 64680 also applies to that injection. Code 64680 represents destruction; the injection typically "floods or bathes" the plexus. If your provider performed bilateral splanchnic blocks during the same setting, he administered the first as an anesthetic for the destruction. The anesthetic injection would not be separately billable, which is why you report 64680 only once and without a modifier.
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