Wiki Lumbar Sympathetic Chain Radiofrequency ablation

[saracpm]

My provider performed this procedure under anesthesia at an out-patient facility. I am only billing for the procedure. The best code that I could find was 64640 but it is not being recognized by Medicare. I just submitted the procedure notes in hopes of receiving payment. Has anyone else had experience billing this procedure? Have you received payment from insurance companies for this procedure?

 

[marvelh]

The lumbar sympathetic chain is not a somatic nerve (sensory) nerve. It would not apply to the 64640 code which is in the Destruction by Neurolytic Agent, Somatic Nerve CPT code section. There isn't a code for "destruction by neurolytic agent, other sympathetic nerve". RF ablation of the lumbar sympathetic plexus is typically reported with the 64999 unlisted code.