How To Use CPT Code 64408

CPT 64408 describes the injection of an anesthetic agent, steroid, or both into the vagus nerve. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 64408?

CPT 64408 is used to report the injection of an anesthetic agent, steroid, or both into the vagus nerve. This procedure, also known as a vagus nerve block, is performed by a healthcare provider to provide short-term relief and treat acute pain emergencies. It may also be used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 64408 is: ‘Injection(s), anesthetic agent(s) and/or steroid; vagus nerve.’ This code should be reported for one or more injections administered during a single procedure.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient for the procedure.
2. Using a needle and syringe, the provider administers one or more injections of an anesthetic agent, steroid, or both close to a branch of the vagus nerve.
3. This anesthetizes the area supplied by the nerve and provides relief from acute pain.
4. The procedure may be performed for diagnostic purposes to determine the source of the pain or for therapeutic purposes to alleviate the pain.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 64408 is used when the injection(s) are performed on the vagus nerve. There are no specific qualifying circumstances mentioned for this code.

5. When to use CPT code 64408

CPT code 64408 should be used when the healthcare provider administers an injection of an anesthetic agent, steroid, or both into the vagus nerve. It is important to ensure that the injection is performed on the vagus nerve specifically to accurately report this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 64408, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the injection(s) and the medical necessity
• Details of the injection(s) performed, including the type of anesthetic agent, steroid, or both used
• Date and time of the procedure
• Location of the injection(s) on the vagus nerve
• Any complications or adverse reactions
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 64408, ensure that the injection(s) are performed on the vagus nerve. There are no specific billing guidelines mentioned for this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 64408 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has undergone no updates or changes since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider administers an injection of an anesthetic agent into the vagus nerve to provide short-term relief for a patient experiencing acute pain.
2. During a diagnostic procedure, a provider injects a steroid into the vagus nerve to determine the source of a patient’s pain.
3. A healthcare provider performs a vagus nerve block by injecting both an anesthetic agent and a steroid into the vagus nerve to alleviate chronic pain in a patient.
4. For therapeutic purposes, a provider administers an injection of an anesthetic agent into the vagus nerve to manage pain in a patient with a chronic condition.
5. A healthcare provider performs a vagus nerve block using a combination of anesthetic agent and steroid injections to provide relief for a patient with acute pain due to a specific medical condition.