Eli's Rehab Report

Published on Mon Mar 21, 2005 PDF

Question: What would be the appropriate CPT code for the third occipital nerve block radiofrequency?

Michigan Subscriber

Answer: Depending on the anatomic location where your provider performed the radiofrequency, you should look at 64626 (Destruction by neurolytic agent, paravertebral facet joint nerve; cervical or thoracic, single level), which is standard at the cervical spine level, or 64640 (Destruction by neurolytic agent; other peripheral nerve or branch), which is standard at the distal scalp innervation region.
 
The third occipital nerve originates as a medial branch (aka paravertebral facet joint nerve) of C3, which crosses the C2-C3 facet joint before turning upward to become the least or third occipital nerve.
 
Be sure to review your provider's documentation and have him look at the code descriptions to see which is correct before you submit the claim if you are still uncertain of your choice.