How To Use CPT Code 64646

CPT 64646 describes the chemodenervation of trunk muscles, specifically targeting one to five muscles, to alleviate pain and spasms in patients. This article will provide an overview of the code, including its official description, the procedure involved, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 64646?

CPT 64646 is used to describe the injection of a chemical, such as Botox®, into one to five muscles in the trunk area of the body. This procedure aims to relieve pain and spasms experienced by the patient.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 64646 is: ‘Chemodenervation of trunk muscle(s); 1-5 muscle(s).’ This code specifically refers to the injection of a pharmacologic compound, such as botulinum toxin or atropine, into one to five muscles of the trunk to interrupt nerve signals and provide relief from pain and spasms.

3. Procedure

1. Before the procedure, the patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider then injects a pharmacologic compound, such as botulinum toxin or atropine, into one to five muscles of the trunk.
3. This injection interrupts the nerve signals to the muscles, resulting in their paralysis.
4. The main goal of the procedure is to alleviate pain and spasms experienced by the patient.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 64646 is performed on patients who are experiencing pain and spasms in their trunk muscles. It is important to note that this code is specifically for the injection of one to five muscles in the trunk. The procedure should be carried out by a qualified healthcare professional who is trained in chemodenervation techniques.

5. When to use CPT code 64646

CPT code 64646 should be used when a provider injects a pharmacologic compound into one to five muscles of the trunk to relieve pain and spasms. It is important to ensure that the injection is targeted specifically to the trunk muscles and not other areas of the body.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 64646, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for chemodenervation of trunk muscles
• Specific muscles targeted for injection
• Date and time of the procedure
• Details of the pharmacologic compound used
• Any complications or adverse reactions observed
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 64646, ensure that the procedure involves the injection of one to five muscles in the trunk. It is important to report this code only once per session. Additionally, be aware of any specific guidelines or modifiers required by the payer for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 64646 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 patient with chronic back pain receives an injection of botulinum toxin into three trunk muscles to alleviate their pain and spasms.
2. A patient with muscle spasms in their abdomen undergoes chemodenervation of two trunk muscles using a pharmacologic compound.
3. A provider administers an injection of atropine into four trunk muscles of a patient with severe muscle cramps in their back.
4. A patient with chronic thoracic pain receives an injection of botulinum toxin into one trunk muscle to relieve their discomfort.
5. A provider performs chemodenervation on five trunk muscles of a patient with debilitating spasms in their abdominal area.
6. A patient with persistent muscle spasms in their lower back undergoes chemodenervation of three trunk muscles using a pharmacologic compound.
7. A provider injects botulinum toxin into two trunk muscles of a patient with chronic pain in their thoracic region.
8. A patient with muscle spasms in their abdominal area receives an injection of atropine into one trunk muscle to alleviate their symptoms.
9. A provider administers chemodenervation to four trunk muscles of a patient with severe muscle cramps in their back using a pharmacologic compound.
10. A patient with chronic pain in their lower back undergoes chemodenervation of five trunk muscles to alleviate their discomfort.