Wiki MBB and Radiofrequency

[pajohnson]

Hi All-
Looking for some clarification on these procedures:

For the MBB they are billed by levels. ex L2-L3, L3-L4(2 levels)

For the radiofrequency they are billed by joints. So, that would be the individual verterbral body. ex L1,L2,L3 (3 joints)

If someone could verify this is correct, I would very much appreciate it.
Thanks

 

[marvelh]

The 64633 - 64636 codes are coded using the same "methodology" as the injections, in that they are per facet joint. If the physician performed RF ablation of

L3 medial branch at the L4 vertebrae
L4 medial branch at the L5 vertebrae
L5 dorsal ramus at sacral ala

This would be three nerves but only two facet joints (L4-L5 and L5-S1) or 64635 x 1 and 64636 x 1

 

[pajohnson]

Great!
Thanks you so much for responding. This clears up some confusion.