Wiki Nerve Blocks - I was under the impression

[tiavrban]

I was under the impression that as of 01/01/10 nerve blocks (64415, 64447, 64450) are now bundled per CCI edits. Example would be a RCR via scope and at the surgeons request the anesthesiologist performs 64415 for post-op pain. I have quit billing the nerve blocks. I just read an article in the April Outpatient Surgery Magazine that says it is okay to bill for these with the exception of Medicare and Medicaid.

I would appreciate any input on what other centers are doing.

Thanks!

 

[rkmcoder]

(These are my opinions and should not be construed as being the final authority. Other opinions may vary.)

We bill post-op blocks (with modifier -59) with all carriers. Some carriers pay, some don't. Pain Management NCCI edits are undergoing a quarter-by-quarter reassessment, and keeping up with the changes, and working the denials and appeals, can generate a 339.00!!! Just bill 'em and cross your fingers...

Richard Mann, your pain management coder
rkmcoder@yahoo.com

 

[ASC CODER]

I agree in my opinion. I know we actually have carve outs in our contracts and they pay well. Medicare not yet.

 

[tiavrban]

Thank you so much for your input! Most helpful!