How To Use CPT Code 64834

CPT 64834 describes the repair of a sensory nerve in the hand or foot to restore sensory functions. 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 64834?

CPT 64834 can be used to describe the repair of a sensory nerve in the hand or foot to restore sensory functions. This code is used when the provider sutures the damaged ends of the nerve together without creating tension, allowing for the healthy tissue to be exposed and sensory functions to be restored.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 64834 is: ‘Suture of 1 nerve; hand or foot, common sensory nerve.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider accesses the injured nerve through the open wound or by incising the hand or foot.
2. She identifies the injured nerve, mobilizes it, and debrides the wound as needed.
3. The provider trims the damaged ends of the nerve to expose the healthy tissue.
4. She carries out the dissection using high-power magnification and caution not to injure the surrounding structures.
5. The provider sutures the healthy nerve ends together without creating tension.
6. She then closes the wound or incision.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 64834 services are those who have a damaged or severed sensory nerve in the hand or foot that requires repair to restore sensory functions. The provider must be able to identify the injured nerve and perform the necessary dissection and suturing techniques to restore the nerve’s functionality.

5. When to use CPT code 64834

CPT code 64834 should be used when a provider performs a suture of a sensory nerve in the hand or foot to restore sensory functions. This code is appropriate when the damaged ends of the nerve are sutured together without creating tension, allowing for the healthy tissue to be exposed and sensory functions to be restored.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 64834, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for sensory nerve repair
• Details of the procedure, including the approach used to access the injured nerve, any debridement performed, and the technique used to suture the nerve ends together
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the service

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 64834, ensure that the provider is performing a suture of a sensory nerve in the hand or foot. This code should not be reported with other codes unless additional procedures or complications arise during the repair. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate and appropriate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 64834 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been a few changes to the code since its addition, including updates to the code description and terminology.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon repairing a sensory nerve in the hand of a patient who suffered a deep laceration.
2. An orthopedic specialist suturing a sensory nerve in the foot of a patient who experienced trauma during a sports activity.
3. A plastic surgeon performing a nerve repair procedure in the hand of a patient who had a severe crush injury.
4. A hand surgeon repairing a sensory nerve in the foot of a patient who had a motor vehicle accident.
5. A podiatrist suturing a sensory nerve in the hand of a patient who had a workplace injury.
6. A neurosurgeon performing a nerve repair procedure in the foot of a patient who had a fall from a height.
7. An orthopedic specialist repairing a sensory nerve in the hand of a patient who had a machinery accident.
8. A plastic surgeon suturing a sensory nerve in the foot of a patient who had a dog bite injury.
9. A hand surgeon performing a nerve repair procedure in the hand of a patient who had a sharp object injury.
10. A podiatrist repairing a sensory nerve in the foot of a patient who had a recreational activity accident.