Neurosurgery Coding Alert
Single Nerve = Single Code for Nerve Destruction
Question: Our surgeon performed three cryodenervations of the 11th intercostal nerve on the right side. How should we report this? Answer: Because the physician injected only one nerve three times, you should report one unit of 64620 (Destruction by neurolytic agent, intercostal nerve). According to Palmetto's (South Carolina's Part B carrier) local medical review policy, "When neurolysis has been performed for multiple levels, use the CPT 64620 on the second or subsequent lines with modifier -51 (Multiple procedures)." You should not report additional units of 64620, therefore, unless you perform the cryodenervation at more than one level (such as the 10th and 11th intercostal nerves). -- Clinical and coding expertise for You Be the Coder and Reader Questions provided by Eric Sandham, CHC, CPC, compliance manager for Central California Faculty Medical Group, a group practice and training facility associated with the University of California at San Francisco in Fresno.
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Single Nerve = Single Code for Nerve Destruction
Question: Our surgeon performed three cryodenervations of the 11th intercostal nerve on the right side. [...]
