How To Use CPT Code 64462

CPT 64462 describes the injection of local anesthesia at an additional site in the spaces beside or around the vertebrae of the thoracic spine. 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 64462?

CPT 64462 is used to describe the injection of local anesthesia at an additional site in the spaces beside or around the vertebrae of the thoracic spine. This procedure is performed to provide nerve blockade and relieve pain. It is typically done after thoracic surgery for postsurgical pain relief, before breast surgery, or for patients with rib fractures. The provider may also use image guidance during the procedure to ensure accuracy.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 64462 is: ‘Paravertebral block (PVB) (paraspinous block), thoracic; second and any additional injection site(s) (includes imaging guidance, when performed) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ Notes: (Use 64462 in conjunction with 64461) (Do not report 64462 more than once per day).

3. Procedure

1. The provider cleans the patient’s skin with an antiseptic solution.
2. They palpate the skin to locate the paravertebral space and mark the area or directly inject the anesthesia solution into the thoracic spine.
3. The procedure involves injecting local anesthesia at an additional site beside or around the vertebrae of the thoracic spine.
4. Image guidance may be used to ensure accuracy during the injection.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 64462 is performed in specific circumstances where the provider needs to provide additional pain relief through nerve blockade. These circumstances include thoracic surgery, breast surgery, and rib fractures. The injection is performed in the paravertebral space beside or around the vertebrae of the thoracic spine.

5. When to use CPT code 64462

CPT code 64462 should be used when the provider injects local anesthesia at an additional site in the spaces beside or around the vertebrae of the thoracic spine. This code should be used in conjunction with the primary procedure code, 64461. It should not be reported more than once per day.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 64462, the provider must document the following information:

• The need for additional pain relief through nerve blockade
• The specific site(s) where the anesthesia was injected
• Whether image guidance was used during the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 64462, ensure that the injection is performed at an additional site in the spaces beside or around the vertebrae of the thoracic spine. Use this code in conjunction with the primary procedure code, 64461. Do not report CPT 64462 more than once per day. The code includes imaging guidance, so there is no need to separately code for radiology services. Review CPT® and payer-specific guidelines for any additional requirements.

8. Historical information

CPT 64462 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2016. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes thoracic surgery and receives an additional injection of local anesthesia in the paravertebral space beside the vertebrae of the thoracic spine for postsurgical pain relief.
2. A patient with rib fractures receives an additional injection of local anesthesia in the paravertebral space around the vertebrae of the thoracic spine to alleviate pain.
3. A patient scheduled for breast surgery receives an additional injection of local anesthesia in the paravertebral space beside the vertebrae of the thoracic spine to provide pain relief during the procedure.
4. A provider uses image guidance to perform an additional injection of local anesthesia in the paravertebral space around the vertebrae of the thoracic spine for a patient with thoracic pain.
5. A patient with rib fractures receives multiple additional injections of local anesthesia in the paravertebral space beside and around the vertebrae of the thoracic spine to manage pain.