Pain Management Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Assess the Possibilities for Post-op Adductor Canal Block

Question:  How do you code an adductor canal block continuous catheter for post-op pain management after total knee replacement?

Washington Subscriber

Answer: According to CPT® Assistant (Nov. 2014), your best option is 64447 (Injection, anesthetic agent; femoral nerve, single) for a single injection. If you’re coding for a continuous adductor canal block instead, submit 64448 (Injection, anesthetic agent; femoral nerve, continuous infusion by catheter [including catheter placement]). 

Tip: Don’t include 01996 (Daily hospital management of epidural or subarachnoid continuous drug administration) on the same claim as 64487 or 64448, because the service covered by those procedure codes includes continuous drug delivery during the post–op period.

Physicians administer femoral nerve injections in conjunction with surgery of the anterior thigh, quadriceps tendon, and knee area. The patient remains awake, but the entire anterior thigh and most of the femur and knee joint become anesthetized. 

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