Anesthesia Coding Alert

Question: What code should I use to report a SPANK block? This is a new block for us, and we are finding different code suggestions, such as using genicular nerve block or an unlisted code, and our coders are not sure which is correct.

Florida Subscriber

Answer: While the current CPT^® code set does not include a code specifically for a block of the sensory posterior articular nerves of the knee (SPANK), this block is performed on nerves of the lower extremity, which are considered peripheral nerves. Since there is no code for these specific nerves, your best option for reporting a SPANK block is 64450 (Injection(s), anesthetic agent(s) and/or steroid; other peripheral nerve or branch) because the nerves anesthetized fall under the classification “other peripheral nerve or branch.” Prior to 2020, a genicular nerve block was reported with 64450, so this may help to explain why this code is suggested.