ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Question: If a physician performs a digital block on a finger and repairs a 2 cm laceration, would the correct codes for these procedures be 64450 (Injection, anesthetic agent; other peripheral nerve or branch) and 12001-51? Thanks so much for any help.Virginia SubscriberAnswer: CPT® states that the digital block is included in the simple laceration repair code stating, The following services are always included in addition to the operation per se:Local infiltration, metacarpal/metatarsal/digital block or topical anesthesiaSubsequent to the decision for surgery, one related Evaluation and Management (E/M) encounter on the date immediately prior to or on the date of procedure (including history and physical)Immediate postoperative care, including dictating operative notes, talking with the family and other physiciansWriting ordersEvaluating the patient in the post-anesthesia recovery areaTypical postoperative follow-up careSo report only the 12001 (Simple repair of superficial wounds of scalp, neck, axillae, external genitalia, trunk and/or extremities [including hands and [...]