How To Use CPT Code 64774

CPT 64774 describes the excision of a neuroma, specifically a tumor or mass growing from a cutaneous nerve that supplies a region of the skin. 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 64774?

CPT 64774 is used to describe the excision of a neuroma, which is a tumor or mass growing from a cutaneous nerve that supplies a region of the skin. This procedure is typically performed when the growth on the mixed peripheral nerve is causing symptoms or discomfort for the patient. The provider removes the neuroma from the surrounding subcutaneous tissue to alleviate the patient’s symptoms.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 64774 is: ‘Excision of neuroma; cutaneous nerve, surgically identifiable.’

3. Procedure

1. After appropriately prepping and anesthetizing the patient, the provider makes an incision in the skin over the location of the neuroma.
2. The provider then carefully removes the neuroma from the surrounding subcutaneous tissue.
3. Once the excision is complete, the provider closes the tissue and the skin to promote proper healing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 64774 is performed when there is a tumor or mass growing from a cutaneous nerve that supplies a region of the skin. This growth may be caused by trauma, amputation, or previous surgery. The procedure is typically done to alleviate symptoms or discomfort experienced by the patient.

5. When to use CPT code 64774

CPT code 64774 should be used when the provider performs an excision of a neuroma from a cutaneous nerve that is surgically identifiable. This code is appropriate when the procedure is performed to alleviate symptoms or discomfort caused by the neuroma. It is important to accurately document the diagnosis and the need for the excision in the patient’s medical record.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 64774, the provider must document the following information:

• The diagnosis indicating the presence of a neuroma
• A description of the cutaneous nerve from which the neuroma is being excised
• The date of the procedure
• A detailed description of the procedure, including the incision, removal of the neuroma, and closure of the tissue and skin
• Any additional relevant information, such as the patient’s symptoms or discomfort prior to the procedure
• The provider’s signature

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 64774, ensure that the procedure involves the excision of a neuroma from a cutaneous nerve that is surgically identifiable. It is important to accurately document the procedure in the patient’s medical record and submit the appropriate documentation for reimbursement. CPT code 64774 should not be reported with other codes unless there are separate and distinct neuromas being excised.

8. Historical information

CPT 64774 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with a painful neuroma on their forearm. The provider performs an excision of the neuroma from the cutaneous nerve, surgically identifiable.
2. A patient complains of discomfort in their foot due to a neuroma on their plantar nerve. The provider performs an excision of the neuroma to alleviate the patient’s symptoms.
3. A patient who previously underwent amputation experiences pain and sensitivity in the residual limb due to a neuroma. The provider performs an excision of the neuroma from the cutaneous nerve to improve the patient’s comfort.
4. A patient with a history of surgery develops a painful neuroma on their scar. The provider performs an excision of the neuroma to relieve the patient’s symptoms.
5. A patient presents with a visible and palpable neuroma on their hand. The provider performs an excision of the neuroma from the cutaneous nerve to address the patient’s discomfort.