Is injection of anesthetic local infiltration?

Q. Which nerve block code should we be using when we administer it for a prostate ultrasound and needle biopsy-64450 or 64430?

However, a number of issues must be considered prior to billing a nerve block.

Second, if the injection of anesthetic is not considered a local infiltration for the performance of the procedure itself, one must decide which code is more appropriate. To code 64430, the pudendal nerve must be located and the injection of the anesthetic into the nerve must be documented. If the anesthetic is not injected into the pudendal nerve, then code 64450 describes the injection of anesthetic into a peripheral nerve or branch, which must also be documented to report this code.

Last, one must consider the billing rules of each payer. The previous considerations are CPT related, and as we all know, CPT is but the foundation for coding rules and regulations. As noted, Medicare considers both injection codes as included in the code 55700, with unbundling or payment allowed only if the definition of modifier –59 (distinct procedure) is met. To use the –59 modifier to remove a service from the bundle of another service, it must be provided during a separate patient encounter, provided at a site that is separate from the service or involve a procedure that is a distinct and separate effort from what is normally provided for the service.

In this scenario, the injection is clearly not provided at a separate patient encounter and is provided in the same anatomic area. Therefore, to meet this definition with Medicare patients, one must determine if the effort is truly separate and distinct from the biopsy. Further, Medicare policy states that payment for anesthesia services other than conscious sedation under certain circumstances, provided by the surgeon, should not be separately paid. Other payers may have implemented different interpretations in this regard. Your contractual agreement, if you have one, will govern whether or not the service should be reported or paid.

Be consistent in implementation of CPT rules for non-contracted payers. Medicare payment policy also indicates that management of postoperative surgical pain is considered part of the global payment package and is not separately payable.

Q. How are cystoscopic botulinum toxin A (Botox) injections into the bladder billed and reimbursed?

A. At present, there is not an accurate code available for cystoscopy with injection of botulinum toxin into the bladder. Reporting of this service at present is most accurately reflected with the use of the unlisted urinary code 53899.