How To Use CPT Code 64647

CPT 64647 describes the injection of a chemical, such as Botox®, into six or more muscles in the trunk to alleviate pain and spasms. 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 64647?

CPT 64647 can be used to describe the injection of a pharmacologic compound, such as botulinum toxin or atropine, into six or more muscles in the trunk. The purpose of this procedure is to interrupt the nerve signals to the muscles and paralyze them, thereby relieving pain and spasms experienced by the patient.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 64647 is: ‘Chemodenervation of trunk muscle(s); 6 or more muscles.’ This code should be reported only once per session and should not be used in conjunction with CPT code 64646, which is used for the same procedure on one to five muscles in the trunk.

3. Procedure

1. After appropriate preparation and anesthesia, the provider administers a chemical, such as Botox®, into six or more muscles in the trunk.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 64647 is performed on patients who experience pain and spasms in the trunk muscles. The procedure is intended to provide relief for these symptoms. It is important to note that this code should only be used when six or more muscles in the trunk are injected.

5. When to use CPT code 64647

CPT code 64647 should be used when a provider injects a chemical into six or more muscles in the trunk to alleviate pain and spasms. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 64647, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for chemodenervation of trunk muscles
• Specific muscles injected
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the injection, including the type of chemical used
• Any complications or adverse reactions
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 64647, ensure that the procedure involves the injection of six or more muscles in the trunk. It is important to report this code only once per session and not in conjunction with CPT code 64646. Additionally, follow any specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding documentation and billing for this procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 64647 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2014. It underwent a code change on January 1, 2015, with the description being updated to specify the number of muscles involved in the procedure.

9. Examples

1. A provider injects a chemical into six muscles in the trunk of a patient with chronic back pain and spasms.
2. During a procedure, a provider administers a chemical into eight muscles in the trunk of a patient with dystonia.
3. A patient with multiple sclerosis receives an injection of a chemical into seven muscles in the trunk to alleviate pain and spasms.
4. A provider performs chemodenervation by injecting a chemical into six muscles in the trunk of a patient with cerebral palsy.
5. During a procedure, a provider administers a chemical into nine muscles in the trunk of a patient with spinal cord injury.
6. A patient with Parkinson’s disease undergoes chemodenervation with the injection of a chemical into six muscles in the trunk to relieve pain and spasms.
7. A provider performs the injection of a chemical into seven muscles in the trunk of a patient with post-stroke spasticity.
8. During a procedure, a provider administers a chemical into six muscles in the trunk of a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
9. A patient with fibromyalgia receives an injection of a chemical into eight muscles in the trunk to alleviate pain and spasms.
10. A provider performs chemodenervation by injecting a chemical into six muscles in the trunk of a patient with muscular dystrophy.