How To Use CPT Code 64876

CPT 64876 describes the procedure of suturing a nerve that requires shortening of a bone in the extremity. 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 64876?

CPT 64876 can be used to describe the procedure in which a portion of a nerve that is too short to reconnect without tension is repaired by excising part of a nearby bone. This creates length in the injured nerve, allowing the nerve ends to be connected.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 64876 is: ‘Suture of nerve; requiring shortening of bone of extremity (List separately in addition to code for nerve suture).’ This code is an add-on code and should be used in conjunction with the primary code for nerve suture, such as CPT codes 64831-64865.

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the healthcare provider identifies a portion of a nerve that requires shortening of a bone in the extremity.
2. The provider excises a part of an adjacent bone to create length in the injured nerve.
3. If necessary, the provider frees the nerve ends from surrounding structures to release the nerve ends for a tension-free repair.
4. The provider then sutures the nerve ends together, completing the nerve repair.
5. Finally, the provider closes the wound.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 64876 is used when a nerve repair procedure requires the shortening of a bone in the extremity to overcome a large nerve gap or segmental defect. The provider must excise a portion of an adjacent bone to allow a direct non-tension suture of the nerve ends. This procedure is performed to ensure a tension-free repair of the nerve.

5. When to use CPT code 64876

CPT code 64876 should be used when a nerve repair procedure requires the shortening of a bone in the extremity to overcome a large nerve gap or segmental defect. It is important to note that this code is an add-on code and should be reported in addition to the primary code for nerve suture.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 64876, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• The need for nerve repair and the requirement for shortening of a bone in the extremity
• The specific procedure performed, including the excision of the bone and the suturing of the nerve ends
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional details or complications encountered during the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 64876, ensure that the procedure involves the shortening of a bone in the extremity to overcome a large nerve gap or segmental defect. This code should be reported in addition to the primary code for nerve suture, such as CPT codes 64831-64865. Payers will not reimburse for CPT 64876 if it is reported without an appropriate primary code.

8. Historical information

CPT 64876 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 surgeon performs a nerve repair procedure on a patient’s arm, requiring the shortening of a bone in the extremity to overcome a large nerve gap.
2. A neurologist sutures a nerve in a patient’s leg, excising part of an adjacent bone to create length in the injured nerve and allow a tension-free repair.
3. An orthopedic surgeon performs a nerve repair procedure on a patient’s hand, freeing the nerve ends from surrounding structures and suturing them together after excising a portion of an adjacent bone.
4. A plastic surgeon sutures a nerve in a patient’s foot, overcoming a segmental defect by shortening a bone in the extremity and ensuring a direct non-tension suture of the nerve ends.
5. A neurosurgeon performs a nerve repair procedure on a cranial nerve, excising part of an adjacent bone to create length in the injured nerve and allowing a tension-free repair.