Eli's Rehab Report
Level Out Your Facet Joint Codes
Question: My physiatrist did three levels of facets on a patient. Two were in the thoracic region, and one was in the lumbar region but all on the left side of the spine. Should I report 64470, 64472, and 64475 or 64476? Because this is a new region of spine and the first level for that region, I thought I could report it as 64475, but then I started thinking maybe that is incorrect. Answer: You should report 64470 (Injection, anesthetic agent and/or steroid, paravertebral facet joint or facet joint nerve; cervical or thoracic, single level) and +64472 (...cervical or thoracic, each additional level [list separately in addition to code for primary procedure]) for the thoracic region and 64475 (...lumbar or sacral, single level) for the lumbar region.
Michigan Subscriber
Depending on the insurance company, you may want to attach modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service) to 64475.
Note: Make sure your ICD-9 codes linked to support medical necessity for the procedures reflect the different spinal regions.
Eli's Rehab Report
- Don't Tip Your Hand by Reporting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Too Soon
Watch out for phrases like 'one or more areas' when you're reporting therapy codes
Release carpal [...] - Don't Let Consults and EMGs Get Under Your Skin
If you have cause, don't be afraid to appeal denials
When another physician sends a patient [...] - Take the Work Out of Coding Workers' Compensation Claims
Hint: Report the most severe injury as the primary diagnosis
Although you don't have any national [...] - You Be the Coder:
Your Mission-Understand Modifiers LT and RT
Question: I'm confused about when to use modifiers LT and RT. Should I use modifier [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Subject Your Multiple Injections to NCCI
Question: My doctor typically uses these two sets of codes:
(1) 99212 or 99213, 20610, 64475, [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Track Infraorbital Nerve Back to Trigeminal
Question: Which CPT codes should I use for infraorbital nerve block and auriculotemporal nerve block?
Massachusetts [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Level Out Your Facet Joint Codes
Question: My physiatrist did three levels of facets on a patient. Two were in the [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
How to Report Baclofen Pump Trials
Question: My physiatrist does baclofen pump trials, in which the patient comes to a hospital [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
No Global for IDET
Question: What are the surgical global days for the IDET procedure (0062T-0063T)?
Ohio Subscriber
Answer: You [...]
