Advanced Search

Anesthesia Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Several Choices for Ganglion Impar Block

Published on Wed Jul 07, 2004

Question: Which code should I report for a ganglion impar block? Mississippi Subscriber Answer: Reporting a ganglion impar block is one of the gray areas of coding that doesn't seem to have a consensus of opinion on the best code. Some coders recommend 64530 (Injection, anesthetic agent; celiac plexus, with or without radiologic monitoring). Others recommend using the 20-unit code 64640 (Destruction by neurolytic agent; other peripheral nerve or branch) if it is a neurolytic injection. Your last option is to report CPT 64999 (Unlisted procedure, nervous system) at 12 RVUs. Many carriers, such as Medicare carrier First Coast Options in Florida, require 64999 for ganglion impar blocks along with documentation of medical necessity.
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