How To Use CPT Code 64912

CPT 64912 describes the procedure of nerve repair using a nerve allograft, specifically the first strand or cable. This article will provide an overview of CPT 64912, including its official description, the procedure involved, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 64912?

CPT 64912 is used to describe the repair of a nerve using a nerve allograft, specifically the first strand or cable. This code is utilized when a provider uses a graft harvested from a cadaveric or living donor to repair a damaged nerve. The nerve allograft is placed in the gap between the nerve endings, allowing new tissue to generate over time and bridge the gap.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 64912 is: ‘Nerve repair; with nerve allograft, each nerve, first strand (cable).’ This code specifically refers to the repair of a nerve using a nerve allograft, focusing on the first strand or cable.

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by preparing and anesthetizing the patient.
2. An incision is made over the site where the damaged nerve is located.
3. The provider continues to dissect until the nerve is exposed.
4. Using loupe magnification or an operating microscope, the provider identifies the damaged portion of the nerve and removes it as necessary.
5. The gap between the nerve ends is measured, and the diameter of the nerve is also measured.
6. An appropriately sized nerve allograft is selected and placed in the gap between the nerve endings.
7. The provider uses microsurgical techniques to suture the proximal and distal ends of the nerve inside the conduit, repairing the nerve.
8. The wound is closed by suturing the skin layers together.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 64912 is used when a nerve repair procedure is performed using a nerve allograft, specifically the first strand or cable. The patient must have a damaged nerve that requires repair, and the provider must determine that using a nerve allograft is the appropriate course of action. The nerve allograft can be harvested from a cadaveric or living donor. It is important to note that this code specifically refers to the repair of each nerve using the first strand or cable of the nerve allograft.

5. When to use CPT code 64912

CPT code 64912 should be used when a provider performs a nerve repair procedure using a nerve allograft, focusing on the first strand or cable. It is important to accurately document the use of the nerve allograft and specify that the repair involves the first strand or cable. This code should not be used for nerve repairs using other types of grafts or conduits.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 64912, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for nerve repair
• Use of a nerve allograft for the repair
• Specific details about the nerve allograft used, including whether it was harvested from a cadaveric or living donor
• Measurement of the gap between the nerve ends and the diameter of the nerve
• Details of the surgical procedure, including the use of loupe magnification or an operating microscope
• Method of suturing the proximal and distal ends of the nerve inside the conduit
• Closure of the wound by suturing the skin layers together

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 64912, ensure that the procedure involves the repair of a nerve using a nerve allograft, specifically the first strand or cable. It is important to accurately document the use of the nerve allograft and specify that the repair involves the first strand or cable. This code should not be reported with other codes for nerve repairs using different types of grafts or conduits. Additionally, it is important to follow any specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding the use of CPT code 64912.

8. Historical information

CPT code 64912 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2018. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon repairs a damaged ulnar nerve using a nerve allograft, specifically the first strand or cable.
2. A neurologist performs a nerve repair procedure on a patient’s median nerve using a nerve allograft, focusing on the first strand or cable.
3. An orthopedic surgeon repairs a damaged radial nerve using a nerve allograft, specifically the first strand or cable.
4. A plastic surgeon performs a nerve repair procedure on a patient’s facial nerve using a nerve allograft, focusing on the first strand or cable.
5. A hand surgeon repairs a damaged digital nerve using a nerve allograft, specifically the first strand or cable.
6. Provide four more examples of cases where CPT code 64912 should be billed. Only explain the examples and make them all original.