How To Use CPT Code 64600

CPT 64600 describes the destruction of a part of the trigeminal nerve using a neurolytic agent. 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 64600?

CPT 64600 can be used to describe the destruction of a specific part of the trigeminal nerve using a neurolytic agent. This procedure is typically performed to obstruct motor function in the face or scalp or to relieve extreme nerve pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 64600 is: ‘Destruction by neurolytic agent, trigeminal nerve; supraorbital, infraorbital, mental, or inferior alveolar branch.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider administers a neurolytic or anesthetic agent, such as alcohol, into the specified location of the trigeminal nerve.
2. The provider injects and destroys the targeted part of the trigeminal nerve, which may include the supraorbital, infraorbital, mental, or inferior alveolar branch.
3. The procedure is performed under appropriate anesthesia and with the patient properly prepped.
4. The provider inserts a fine needle through the skin at the specified location and guides it to the trigeminal nerve.
5. The neurolytic agent is then injected into the nerve to destroy the targeted area.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 64600 is performed on patients who require the destruction of a part of the trigeminal nerve. This procedure is commonly used to obstruct motor function in the face or scalp or to alleviate severe nerve pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia. The specific part of the trigeminal nerve targeted for destruction may include the supraorbital, infraorbital, mental, or inferior alveolar branch.

5. When to use CPT code 64600

CPT code 64600 should be used when a provider performs the destruction of a part of the trigeminal nerve using a neurolytic agent. This code is appropriate for cases where the destruction is targeted at the supraorbital, infraorbital, mental, or inferior alveolar branch. It is important to note that CPT code 64600 should not be reported if other codes, such as CPT codes 64601 to 64647, have already been performed within the same session.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 64600, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for trigeminal nerve destruction
• Specific part of the trigeminal nerve targeted for destruction
• Date and details of the procedure, including the type of neurolytic agent used
• Any anesthesia administered and the patient’s response to it
• Any prepping or positioning required for the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 64600, ensure that the destruction of the trigeminal nerve is performed using a neurolytic agent. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting this code and to avoid reporting it if other trigeminal nerve destruction codes have already been used in the same session.

8. Historical information

CPT code 64600 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performing the destruction of the supraorbital branch of the trigeminal nerve using a neurolytic agent to alleviate severe nerve pain in a patient with trigeminal neuralgia.
2. A neurologist injecting a neurolytic agent into the infraorbital branch of the trigeminal nerve to obstruct motor function in the face of a patient with a specific medical condition.
3. A maxillofacial surgeon targeting the mental branch of the trigeminal nerve for destruction using a neurolytic agent to relieve extreme nerve pain in a patient with a nerve injury.
4. An oral surgeon performing the destruction of the inferior alveolar branch of the trigeminal nerve using a neurolytic agent to obstruct motor function in the scalp of a patient with a specific medical condition.
5. A pain management specialist injecting a neurolytic agent into the supraorbital branch of the trigeminal nerve to alleviate severe nerve pain in a patient with trigeminal neuralgia.
6. A neurosurgeon targeting the infraorbital branch of the trigeminal nerve for destruction using a neurolytic agent to obstruct motor function in the face of a patient with a specific medical condition.
7. A provider performing the destruction of the mental branch of the trigeminal nerve using a neurolytic agent to relieve extreme nerve pain in a patient with a nerve injury.
8. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon injecting a neurolytic agent into the inferior alveolar branch of the trigeminal nerve to obstruct motor function in the scalp of a patient with a specific medical condition.
9. A neurologist performing the destruction of the supraorbital branch of the trigeminal nerve using a neurolytic agent to alleviate severe nerve pain in a patient with trigeminal neuralgia.
10. A maxillofacial surgeon targeting the infraorbital branch of the trigeminal nerve for destruction using a neurolytic agent to relieve extreme nerve pain in a patient with a nerve injury.