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Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Resort to 64999 for Lumbar Sympathetic Chain RF

Published on Mon Sep 24, 2012

Question: I've read that we should report 64999 for radiofrequency of the lumbar sympathetic chain, but one of our physicians insists that we should code with 64640. What's the correct approach? West Virginia Subscriber Answer: CPT® currently does not include a code that represents radiofrequency destruction of the lumbar sympathetic chain. Because of this, the information you've read is correct: Submit 64999 (Unlisted procedure, nervous system). It can be difficult to get paid for "unlisted" codes, so drop the claim to paper and submit it with dictation and supporting documentation explaining the procedure. Background: The CPT® codebook separates the Destruction by Neurolytic Agent procedures into two sections " Somatic Nerves and Sympathetic Nerves. The somatic nervous system is made up of nerves that connect to the skin, sensory organs and all skeletal muscles. The system is responsible for nearly all voluntary muscle movement as well as processing sensory information that [...]
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