How To Use CPT Code 64617

CPT 64617 describes the percutaneous chemodenervation of the larynx on one side, which may be guided by needle electromyography. 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 64617?

CPT 64617 can be used to describe the percutaneous chemodenervation of the larynx on one side, with the possibility of guidance by needle electromyography. This code is used when a provider injects a pharmacologic compound, such as botulinum toxin, through the skin to interrupt nerve signals and paralyze the muscle or group of muscles controlling the larynx. The procedure is typically performed to treat spasmodic dysphonia, a chronic voice disorder characterized by involuntary movements or spasms of the larynx muscles.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 64617 is: ‘Chemodenervation of muscle(s); larynx, unilateral, percutaneous (eg, for spasmodic dysphonia), includes guidance by needle electromyography, when performed.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider assesses the patient’s condition and determines the need for chemodenervation of the larynx.
2. A pharmacologic compound, such as botulinum toxin, is injected through the skin into the muscle or group of muscles controlling the larynx.
3. The provider may use needle electromyography to guide the injection and assess the results of the procedure.
4. The injection interrupts nerve signals and paralyzes the muscle or muscles, helping to treat spasmodic dysphonia.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 64617 services are those with spasmodic dysphonia, a chronic voice disorder characterized by involuntary movements or spasms of the larynx muscles. The procedure is typically performed to interrupt nerve signals and paralyze the muscle or group of muscles controlling the larynx. The provider may use needle electromyography to guide the injection and assess the results of the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 64617

CPT code 64617 should be used when a provider performs percutaneous chemodenervation of the larynx on one side, with the possibility of guidance by needle electromyography. It is important to note that if the procedure is performed on both sides, modifier 50 should be appended to the code to indicate a bilateral procedure. Additionally, CPT code 64617 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 95873 and 95874, which are used for electromyography.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 64617, the provider must document the following information:

• Diagnosis of spasmodic dysphonia
• Details of the procedure, including the use of needle electromyography if applicable
• Date of the procedure
• Results of the procedure and any follow-up plans
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 64617, ensure that the procedure is performed on one side of the larynx and may include guidance by needle electromyography. If the procedure is performed on both sides, modifier 50 should be appended to indicate a bilateral procedure. It is important not to separately code the electromyography using codes 95873 and 95874. Additionally, if the provider does not own the electromyography equipment, modifier 26 should be appended to indicate the professional component of the service.

8. Historical information

CPT 64617 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2014. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs percutaneous chemodenervation of the larynx on one side using botulinum toxin, guided by needle electromyography, to treat spasmodic dysphonia.
2. A patient with spasmodic dysphonia undergoes percutaneous chemodenervation of the larynx on one side, with guidance by needle electromyography, to alleviate their voice disorder.
3. A provider injects botulinum toxin through the skin into the muscle controlling the larynx on one side, guided by needle electromyography, to treat spasmodic dysphonia.
4. A patient receives percutaneous chemodenervation of the larynx on one side, with the assistance of needle electromyography, to address their chronic voice disorder.
5. A provider performs chemodenervation of the larynx on one side using a pharmacologic compound, guided by needle electromyography, to alleviate spasmodic dysphonia symptoms in a patient.
6. A patient undergoes percutaneous chemodenervation of the larynx on one side, with the guidance of needle electromyography, to improve their voice quality affected by spasmodic dysphonia.
7. A provider administers botulinum toxin through the skin into the muscle controlling the larynx on one side, with the assistance of needle electromyography, to treat spasmodic dysphonia in a patient.
8. A patient receives percutaneous chemodenervation of the larynx on one side, guided by needle electromyography, to address their chronic voice disorder and improve their quality of life.