How To Use CPT Code 64755

CPT 64755 describes a surgical procedure involving the transection or avulsion of the vagus nerves limited to the proximal stomach. 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 64755?

CPT 64755 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure that involves the transection or avulsion of the vagus nerves limited to the proximal stomach. This procedure is performed to reduce the rate of gastric secretion when other means have been unsuccessful in treating ulcers.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 64755 is: ‘Transection or avulsion of vagus nerves limited to proximal stomach (selective proximal vagotomy, proximal gastric vagotomy, parietal cell vagotomy, supra- or highly selective vagotomy).’

3. Procedure

1. The surgeon begins by making an incision down the middle of the abdomen.
2. They then locate and free the anterior left vagus nerve from the esophagus, carefully dividing and removing it while preserving selective branches.
3. Next, the surgeon identifies the posterior right vagus nerve and mobilizes and excises it, again preserving selective branches.
4. Throughout the procedure, the surgeon continues to preserve or ligate and divide nerves, keeping the dissection close to the stomach.
5. Smaller nerve trunks are dissected from the esophagus until the procedure is completed.
6. The incised tissue is closed, and the abdomen is closed as well, with the insertion of a drain if necessary.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 64755 is performed on patients who require a reduction in gastric secretion due to ulcers. The procedure involves the transection or avulsion of the vagus nerves limited to the proximal stomach. It is important to note that this procedure is selective and specific to the proximal stomach.

5. When to use CPT code 64755

CPT code 64755 should be used when a surgeon performs the transection or avulsion of the vagus nerves limited to the proximal stomach. It is important to ensure that the procedure is selective and specific to the proximal stomach. This code should not be used for procedures involving other parts of the body or other nerves.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 64755, the surgeon must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the procedure
• Details of the procedure performed, including the transection or avulsion of the vagus nerves limited to the proximal stomach
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information or findings during the procedure
• Signature of the surgeon performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 64755, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed is the transection or avulsion of the vagus nerves limited to the proximal stomach. This code should not be reported with other codes unless specifically indicated. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer and ensure accurate documentation to support the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 64755 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. However, it is important to stay updated with any changes or revisions that may occur in the future.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performs the transection of the vagus nerves limited to the proximal stomach to reduce gastric secretion in a patient with chronic ulcers.
2. During a surgical procedure, a surgeon avulses the vagus nerves limited to the proximal stomach to treat a patient with severe gastric hypersecretion.
3. A patient with refractory ulcers undergoes a surgical procedure in which the surgeon transects the vagus nerves limited to the proximal stomach to achieve a reduction in gastric secretion.
4. In a patient with recurrent ulcers, a surgeon performs the avulsion of the vagus nerves limited to the proximal stomach to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
5. A surgical procedure is performed on a patient with intractable ulcers, involving the transection of the vagus nerves limited to the proximal stomach to control gastric secretion.
6. To treat a patient with persistent ulcers, a surgeon avulses the vagus nerves limited to the proximal stomach during a surgical procedure to achieve a reduction in gastric secretion.
7. A patient with chronic gastric hypersecretion undergoes a surgical procedure in which the surgeon transects the vagus nerves limited to the proximal stomach to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
8. In a patient with refractory ulcers, a surgeon performs the avulsion of the vagus nerves limited to the proximal stomach to achieve long-term control of gastric secretion.
9. A surgical procedure is performed on a patient with recurrent ulcers, involving the transection of the vagus nerves limited to the proximal stomach to promote healing and prevent further complications.
10. To address persistent ulcers, a surgeon avulses the vagus nerves limited to the proximal stomach during a surgical procedure to achieve a reduction in gastric secretion and improve the patient’s overall condition.