Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Question: What code should I submit when my physician injects the lower cervical muscles with bupivacaine?

Louisiana Subscriber

Answer: CPT's trigger point injection codes are your best options.

Select either 20552 (Injection[s]; single or multiple trigger point[s], one or two muscle[s]) or 20553 (- single or multiple trigger point[s], three or more muscles), depending on the number of muscles your neurologist injects.

Report the bupivacaine with S0020 (Injection, bupivacaine HCl, 30 ml).