Wiki Nerve Block question

[pumpkin5244]

Hi All,

My provider did a digital nerve block for a closed manipulation of dislocated finger. I am pretty sure I use cpt 26770 for the treatment of the dislocation. I am questioning, do I add the 64450 for the nerve block?

Please help.

Thank you!

 

[thomas7331]

Under NCCI and almost all payer policies, nerve blocks performed by the same provider who is doing the procedure are bundled and considered a component of the procedure and so should not be reported separately.

 

[mbement]

adding a 59 modifier to 64450

So if my doctor is billing a 28008 with a 64450, I can't add a 59 modifier?

 

[thomas7331]

So if my doctor is billing a 28008 with a 64450, I can't add a 59 modifier?

You can only add the modifier if it is supported by documentation. In other words, if the records indicates that the nerve block procedure was done at a different site, different encounter or is otherwise unrelated to the procedure, then a modifier may be appropriate. But if the nerve block was administered by the surgeon for purposes of anesthesia for that procedure, then no, it would not be appropriate and would be considered unbundling.