Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert
Leave Neurolysis Code to the Side
Question: Encounter notes indicate that the provider performed an anesthetic injection for a Morton’s neuroma patient. During the encounter, the provider also destroyed the nerves that were responsible for carrying the pain (neurolysis). I reported 64455 and 64632-59 and received a denial. What did I do wrong? AAPC Forum Subscriber Answer: You should have left 64632 (Destruction by neurolytic agent; plantar common digital nerve) off of the claim. Even though you appended modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service) to indicate a separate procedure, it doesn’t matter. Why? The only code you should report for anesthetic injection and neurolysis for the same Morton’s neuroma patient is 64455 (Injection(s), anesthetic agent(s) and/ or steroid; plantar common digital nerve(s) (eg, Morton’s neuroma)). Per CPT® 2023, “Do not report 64455 in conjunction with 64632.”
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