How To Use CPT Code 64645

CPT 64645 describes the use of a pharmacologic compound, such as botulinum toxin or atropine, to interrupt nerve signals and paralyze a group of muscles in an additional extremity after the first. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 64645?

CPT 64645 is a code used to describe the chemodenervation procedure performed by a healthcare provider. This procedure involves injecting a chemical, such as Botox®, into five or more muscles of an additional extremity after the first. The aim of this procedure is to relieve pain and spasms in the patient.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 64645 is: ‘Chemodenervation of one extremity; each additional extremity, 5 or more muscles (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code should be used in conjunction with CPT code 64644 for the primary procedure.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider selects a pharmacologic compound, such as botulinum toxin or atropine, to be injected into the muscles of the additional extremity.
2. The provider then identifies and injects the chemical into five or more muscles of the additional extremity.
3. The injected compound interrupts the nerve signals that activate the muscles, resulting in their paralysis.
4. This procedure is performed to relieve pain and spasms in the patient.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 64645 is used for patients who require chemodenervation of five or more muscles in an additional extremity after the first. This procedure is typically performed on patients experiencing pain and spasms in their muscles. The healthcare provider must use a pharmacologic compound, such as botulinum toxin or atropine, to achieve the desired effect.

5. When to use CPT code 64645

CPT code 64645 should be used when a healthcare provider performs chemodenervation on five or more muscles in an additional extremity after the first. This code should be reported in addition to CPT code 64644 for the primary procedure. It is important to note that CPT code 64645 should not be reported if the procedure involves fewer than five muscles in the additional extremity.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 64645, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• The need for chemodenervation of five or more muscles in the additional extremity
• The specific pharmacologic compound used for the procedure
• Date and details of the procedure, including the muscles injected and the amount of compound used
• Any complications or adverse reactions observed during or after the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 64645, ensure that the procedure involves chemodenervation of five or more muscles in an additional extremity after the first. This code should be reported in addition to CPT code 64644 for the primary procedure. It is important to note that CPT code 64645 should not be reported if the procedure involves fewer than five muscles in the additional extremity. Additionally, be aware of any specific guidelines or requirements from the payer regarding the use of CPT code 64645.

8. Historical information

CPT code 64645 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2014. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider injects a pharmacologic compound into five muscles of an additional extremity to relieve a patient’s pain and spasms.
2. A patient with dystonia undergoes chemodenervation of six muscles in their arm to alleviate their symptoms.
3. A healthcare provider performs chemodenervation on seven muscles in a patient’s leg to address their muscle spasticity.
4. An individual with cervical dystonia receives chemodenervation of eight muscles in their neck to reduce their muscle contractions.
5. A patient with hemifacial spasm undergoes chemodenervation of six muscles in their face to alleviate their involuntary movements.
6. A healthcare provider administers a pharmacologic compound to ten muscles in a patient’s hand to relieve their muscle cramps.
7. An individual with spasticity in their foot receives chemodenervation of six muscles to improve their mobility.
8. A patient with blepharospasm undergoes chemodenervation of seven muscles in their eyelids to reduce their involuntary blinking.
9. A healthcare provider performs chemodenervation on six muscles in a patient’s back to alleviate their muscle spasms.
10. An individual with writer’s cramp receives chemodenervation of eight muscles in their hand to improve their ability to write.