Anesthesia Coding Alert

Question: What are the current chemodenervation codes for Botox injections?

New Jersey Subscriber

Answer: The correct code for chemodenervation depends on the muscle group site being treated. Three somatic nerve injection codes could apply: 64612 (Chemo-denervation of muscle[s]; muscle[s] innervated by facial nerve [e.g., for blepharo-spasm, hemifacial spasm]), 64613 (... cervical spinal muscle[s] [e.g., for spasmodic torticollis]) and 64614 (... extremity[s] and/or trunk muscle[s] [e.g., for dystonia, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis]). If the procedure involves the extraocular muscles, use 67345 (Chemodenervation of extraocular muscle). Carriers have very specific policies regarding the validity of Botox, so check your local guidelines.

You Be the Coder and Reader Questions were reviewed by LaSeille Willard, CPC, anesthesia coder with Anesthesia Consultants in Frederick, Md.