You Be the Coder: Turn to 64640 for Radiofrequency Ablation

Question: What CPT® code best represents radiofrequency ablation of a painful abdominal anterior cutaneous nerve at the site of a healed ventral hernia incision?

Florida Subscriber

Answer: CPT® includes several codes for varying specific somatic nerve destruction procedures. Currently there isn't a specific CPT® code for the anterior abdominal cutaneous nerves. However, CPT® does provide 64640 (Destruction by neurolytic agent; other peripheral nerve or branch) for standard radiofrequency of other somatic nerves and/or branches.

Tip: In many cases, the physician first performs an injection of local anesthetic to verify the source of the patient's pain. If the procedure report documents [...]

- Published on 2012-01-09