Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Question:  How can we report selective nerve root block? Does CPT® offer any definitive codes for this procedure?

Illinois Subscriber

Answer: You should typically report a selective nerve root block (SNRB) with a transforaminal epidural injection code. You will select the right code based on which spinal region was involved. You also count how many levels your physician treated.

You can choose from the following applicable codes:

• 64479, ....Injection(s), anesthetic agent and/or steroid, transforaminal epidural, with imaging guidance (fluoroscopy or CT); cervical or thoracic, single level

• 64480, ... cervical or thoracic, each additional level (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

• 64483, ... lumbar or sacral, single level

• 64484, … lumbar or sacral, each additional level (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).