Reader Questions:
Report 64640 for RF of Ilioinguinal Neuroma
Published on Tue Jul 11, 2006
Question: How should I code radiofrequency of an ilioinguinal neuroma?
Washington Subscriber Answer: When a physician performs radiofrequency ablation, he usually "cooks" the nerve to permanently destroy it. Therefore, the best code for standard radiofrequency procedures is 64640 (Destruction by neurolytic agent; other peripheral nerve or branch).
In many cases, the physician first administers a temporary block to verify the treatment location and ensure the block will relieve the patient's pain. In your situation, report the temporary block with 64425 (Injection, anesthetic agent; ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric nerves). If the temporary block works, the physician follows with radiofrequency during another visit.
