Anesthesia Coding Alert
Reader Questions:
Purpose Dictates Regional Bretylium Block Code
Published on Thu Sep 09, 2004
Question: How should I code an extremity IV regional bretylium block for reflex sympathetic dystrophy? Answer: Correct coding depends on whether your physician is treating chronic pain or administering anesthesia for another procedure. If he treats chronic pain, report 64450 (Injection, anesthetic agent; other peripheral nerve or branch) with three base units. If he is administering anesthesia before the injection, consider 01991 (Anesthesia for diagnostic or therapeutic nerve blocks and injections [when block or injection is performed by a different provider]; other than the prone position) at three base units or 01992 (... prone position) at five base units, depending on the patient's position during the procedure.
Indiana Subscriber
Some coders also recommend 01995 (Regional intravenous administration of local anesthetic agent or other medication [upper or lower extremity]) at five base units. Check your carrier's guidelines to verify its individual requirements.
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Purpose Dictates Regional Bretylium Block Code
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