Wiki block for wrist surgery

[kellyal]

If patient had a wrist procedure done and 3 blocks were done. Listed as median, radial, and ulnar would all of these be coded at 64450 three times? I am being told that 64415 (interscalence block) can also be used. I did not think that was the case. Any help is appreicated

 

[sansdust]

Hi Kellyal,

I am an Anesthesia coder and I mostly code the blocks for post op pain. I personally would use 64450 and use what ever modifier is requested from your payer to show they are three seperate blocks.
However, it is my understanding that if blocks are done intra-opertively as part of the surgery and not for post op pain ONLY, they are not seperately billable.

Take care,

Sandy Stephens, CPC
Anesthesia Coder