Eli's Rehab Report

Question: How should we code a hypogastric plexus nerve block?

Tennessee Subscriber

Answer: Because CPT Codes does not include a specific code for this procedure, you should report 64999 (Unlisted procedure, nervous system). Include a letter with your claim describing the procedure, along with a recommendation of the CPT code and RVUs it most closely matches.

Ask the physician to select a similar procedure from the nerve block codes so you can establish an RVU, such as 64520* (Injection, anesthetic agent; lumbar or thoracic [paravertebral sympathetic]) or 64530* (... celiac plexus, with or without radiologic monitoring). In the letter, the physiatrist should explain how the nerve block is similar to the comparison code.