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Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Use 64622 for Nerve Destruction

Published on Sat Mar 01, 2003

Question: Our orthopedist performed a radiofrequen-cy thermal coagulation (RFTC) to disable the nerves in a patient's lumbar area. Is there a code for this? Montana Subscriber Answer: If the physician uses RFTC or pulse RFTC in the lumbar or sacral area, you should report it with 64622 (Destruction by neurolytic agent, paravertebral facet joint nerve; lumbar or sacral, single level).

If the physician addresses additional lumbosacral levels, 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. This represents a departure for coders who may be accustomed to reporting 64622 for chemical destruction. The March 2002 CPT Assistant, however, states that the term "agent" describes chemical, thermal, electrical and radiofrequency methods.  
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