Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert
Reader Question:
64640 Covers Rhizotomy of Greater Occipital Nerve
Published on Thu Sep 25, 2014
Question: Our provider documented “therapeutic greater occipital nerve rhizotomy on the left and on the right.” He used radiofrequency and stated that “a lesion was carried out.” What is the correct code for this?
Virginia Subscriber
Answer: You should report 64640 (Destruction by neurolytic agent; other peripheral nerve or branch) for greater occipital nerve rhizotomy. Because your provider performed the procedure on both the right and left sides, you can bill the code bilaterally. Depending upon the payer, report the destruction as one of the following:
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