Anesthesia Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Report RF and Facet Injections Separately

Question: How should I code radiofrequency facet injections for commercial carriers? Should I report an unlisted-procedure code and attach the procedure's reports?

Louisiana Subscriber
 
Answer: Report the appropriate code from 64622-64627 (various locations and levels for Destruction by neurolytic agent, paravertebral facet joint nerve). Code for each level individually, but don't append any modifiers because the codes for additional levels are add-on codes (+64623, ... lumbar or sacral, each additional level [list separately in addition to code for primary procedure] and +64627, ... cervical or thoracic, each additional level [list separately in addition to code for primary procedure]). (Remember, you can't append modifiers to add-on codes, but you're reimbursed 100 percent for any add-ons.)
 
If the anesthesiologist also performed radiofrequency, select the correct injection code from 64470-64476 (various locations and levels for Injection, anesthetic agent and/or steroid, paravertebral facet joint or facet joint nerve).  - You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were answered by Barbara Johnson, CPC, MPC, anesthesia coder with Loma Linda University Anesthesiology Medical Group in Loma Linda, Calif.
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 Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 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

Other Articles in this issue of

Anesthesia Coding Alert

View All