Advanced Search

Radiology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

64479-+64484: Mystery (s) Explained

Published on Fri Jan 06, 2012

Question: Codes 64479-+64484 in the 2012 manual state "Injection," but in 2011 the same codes said "Injection(s)." What does this change mean?Colorado SubscriberAnswer: You should report these codes just as you did in 2011. The missing (s) on "Injection" is simply a typo in the 2012 manual. The AMA posted the correction in its Errata document at www.ama-assn.org/resources/doc/cpt/cpt-corrections.pdf.The codes should appear as:64479, Injection(s), anesthetic agent and/or steroid, transforaminal epidural, with imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or CT); cervical or thoracic, single level+64480, ... cervical or thoracic, each additional level (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)64483, ... lumbar or sacral, single level+64484, ... lumbar or sacral, each additional level (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).Keep in mind: Codes 64479-+64484 represent unilateral procedures. So if the physician performs a bilateral injection at a single level, you may report a code for each side. For example, if the physician [...]
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

Radiology Coding Alert

View All