How To Use CPT Code 0440T

CPT 0440T describes the percutaneous cryoablation procedure for the destruction of a distal/peripheral nerve in the upper extremity. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0440T?

CPT 0440T can be used to describe the percutaneous cryoablation procedure, which involves the application of freezing temperature to destroy a distal/peripheral nerve in the upper extremity. This procedure is typically performed to treat complex regional pain syndrome or other neuropathy conditions.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0440T is: ‘Ablation, percutaneous, cryoablation, includes imaging guidance; upper extremity distal/peripheral nerve.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by appropriately prepping and anesthetizing the patient, usually with moderate sedation.
2. After localizing the area to be treated, the provider administers lidocaine to provide local anesthesia.
3. A small skin incision is made over the area where the distal/peripheral nerve is located.
4. Using imaging guidance, the provider inserts a special cryoablation needle down to the nerve.
5. Through the needle, an “ice ball” is delivered to destroy (ablate) the nerve.
6. The provider may follow a freeze-thaw, freeze-thaw protocol.
7. Once satisfied that the nerve has been destroyed, the needle is removed, and the small incision is closed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who may qualify for CPT 0440T are those with complex regional pain syndrome or other neuropathy conditions that require the destruction of a distal/peripheral nerve in the upper extremity. The procedure must be performed by a qualified provider and include imaging guidance.

5. When to use CPT code 0440T

CPT code 0440T should be used when a provider performs percutaneous cryoablation to destroy a distal/peripheral nerve in the upper extremity. It is important to note that this code includes imaging guidance, so it should not be reported separately.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 0440T, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the medical necessity for the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the specific nerve targeted and the use of imaging guidance
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or adverse events
• Signature of the performing provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 0440T, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the official description. It is important to note that this code includes imaging guidance, so do not report that service separately. Additionally, consider any applicable modifiers or additional coding guidelines provided by payers.

8. Historical information

CPT 0440T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on July 1, 2016. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs percutaneous cryoablation to destroy a distal nerve in the upper extremity of a patient with complex regional pain syndrome.
2. Using imaging guidance, a provider performs cryoablation to ablate a peripheral nerve in the upper extremity of a patient with neuropathy.
3. To alleviate chronic pain, a provider performs percutaneous cryoablation on a distal nerve in the upper extremity of a patient.
4. A patient with complex regional pain syndrome undergoes cryoablation of a peripheral nerve in the upper extremity to manage their symptoms.
5. Using imaging guidance, a provider performs percutaneous cryoablation on a distal nerve in the upper extremity of a patient with neuropathy.
6. To treat chronic pain, a provider performs cryoablation on a peripheral nerve in the upper extremity of a patient.
7. A patient with complex regional pain syndrome undergoes percutaneous cryoablation of a distal nerve in the upper extremity to alleviate their symptoms.
8. Using imaging guidance, a provider performs cryoablation on a peripheral nerve in the upper extremity of a patient with neuropathy.
9. To manage chronic pain, a provider performs percutaneous cryoablation on a distal nerve in the upper extremity of a patient.
10. A patient with complex regional pain syndrome undergoes cryoablation of a peripheral nerve in the upper extremity to alleviate their symptoms.