How To Use CPT Code 64716

CPT 64716 describes a procedure known as neuroplasty and/or transposition of a cranial nerve. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 64716?

CPT 64716 is used to describe a surgical procedure that involves relieving pressure on a cranial nerve by incising scar tissue or other sources of pressure. The provider may also transpose the nerve to a nearby area where it is free from pressure. This code requires the specification of the cranial nerve involved in the procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 64716 is: ‘Neuroplasty and/or transposition; cranial nerve (specify).’ This code is used when the provider performs a surgical procedure to repair a cranial nerve by relieving pressure and potentially shifting the nerve to a more suitable location.

3. Procedure

1. When performing CPT 64716, the provider begins by preparing and anesthetizing the patient.
2. An incision is made into the skin near the location of the target cranial nerve, or an opening in the bone may be created if the nerve is within bone.
3. The provider then locates the compressed nerve and releases it by cutting down the surrounding scar tissue and soft tissues.
4. If necessary, the provider may also remove any bone spur or damaged muscle that is putting pressure on the nerve.
5. In some cases, the provider may choose to shift the nerve to an adjacent site to relieve it from compressing structures.
6. Once the nerve has been repaired and freed, the provider closes the skin in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 64716 is performed on patients who have a cranial nerve that is under pressure and requires relief. The procedure is typically indicated when scar tissue or other sources of pressure are compressing the nerve. The specific cranial nerve involved in the procedure must be specified when reporting this code.

5. When to use CPT code 64716

CPT code 64716 should be used when a provider performs neuroplasty and/or transposition of a cranial nerve to relieve pressure and potentially shift the nerve to a more suitable location. This code should only be used when the procedure involves a cranial nerve and not for other types of nerves or procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 64716, the provider must document the following information:

• The specific cranial nerve involved in the procedure
• A detailed description of the procedure performed, including any incisions, tissue removal, or nerve transposition
• The date of the procedure
• The patient’s preoperative and postoperative condition
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• The provider’s signature

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 64716, ensure that the procedure involves a cranial nerve and that the specific nerve is specified on the claim. It is important to follow the guidelines provided by the payer regarding documentation and coding requirements for this procedure. Additionally, be aware of any bundling or unbundling rules that may apply when reporting CPT 64716 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 64716 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 performs neuroplasty and transposition of the trigeminal nerve to relieve pressure on the nerve caused by scar tissue.
2. A patient undergoes neuroplasty and transposition of the facial nerve to alleviate compression caused by a bone spur.
3. A provider performs neuroplasty and transposition of the ulnar nerve to relieve pressure caused by damaged muscle.
4. A patient undergoes neuroplasty and transposition of the optic nerve to alleviate compression caused by nearby structures.
5. A provider performs neuroplasty and transposition of the vestibulocochlear nerve to relieve pressure caused by scar tissue.
6. A patient undergoes neuroplasty and transposition of the glossopharyngeal nerve to alleviate compression caused by a bone spur.
7. A provider performs neuroplasty and transposition of the vagus nerve to relieve pressure caused by damaged muscle.
8. A patient undergoes neuroplasty and transposition of the accessory nerve to alleviate compression caused by nearby structures.
9. A provider performs neuroplasty and transposition of the hypoglossal nerve to relieve pressure caused by scar tissue.
10. A patient undergoes neuroplasty and transposition of the oculomotor nerve to alleviate compression caused by a bone spur.