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Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Destruction Codes Describe RFTC

Published on Wed Apr 27, 2005

Question: How can I report radiofrequency thermal coagulation (RFTC) to disable the nerves in a patient's lumbar area?


Delaware Subscriber


Answer: If the physician uses RFTC or pulse RFTC in the lumbar or sacral area, you should report 64622 (Destruction by neurolytic agent, paravertebral facet joint nerve; lumbar or sacral, single level).

If the physician treats additional lumbosacral levels during the same session, report +64623 (... lumbar or sacral, each additional level [list separately in addition to code for primary procedure]) once for each additional level without any modifiers appended.

Note that the term "agent" in the 64622/64623 descriptor includes chemical, thermal, electrical and radiofrequency methods, according to the March 2002 CPT Assistant.
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