AMA CPT® Assistant - 2011 Issue 2 (February)
Pain Medicine (February 2011)
February 2011 pages 4-5 Pain Medicine Revisions made to certain pain medicine procedures in the CPT 2011 codebook include new procedure codes, and guidelines were created in the Nervous System section to clarify the reporting of these services. The following code sets are affected: Introduction/Injection of Anesthetic Agent (Nerve Block), Diagnostic or Therapeutic ( 64400 - 64530 ) Neurostimulators (Peripheral Nerve) ( 64550 - 64595 ) Destruction by Neurolytic Agent (eg, Chemical, Thermal, Electrical or Radiofrequency) ( 64600 - 64681 ) This article will provide an overview of these additions and revisions. Introduction/Injection of Anesthetic Agent (Nerve Block), Diagnostic...
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Article Overview
This article explains February 2011 CPT updates in pain medicine, focusing on revisions and new guidance across injection, neurostimulator, and neurolytic procedure categories. It is useful for coders, compliance staff, and clinicians who report pain management services and need to understand how the 2011 codebook changes affected documentation and reporting conventions. The article also highlights related imaging guidance and modifier considerations in a general way.
Why This Topic Matters
These CPT changes affected common pain management services and the surrounding reporting guidance, so correct awareness of the update period matters for accurate historical coding, claim review, and education.
Article Sections
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Introduction/Injection of Anesthetic Agent (Nerve Block), Diagnostic or Therapeutic Revised Codes
Covers the 2011 revisions affecting the transforaminal epidural injection family and related imaging guidance updates. The section also discusses linked Category III references and related coding notes.
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Coding Tip
Provides a brief note about reporting considerations for unilateral procedures when performed on both sides of the body.
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Paravertebral Spinal Nerves and Branches New Guidelines
Summarizes new CPT guidance related to paravertebral facet joint services and the associated imaging references. The section also addresses related guidance when alternate guidance methods are used.
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Coding Tip
Provides a brief note about bilateral reporting considerations for paravertebral facet and related Category III services.
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Neurostimulators (Peripheral Nerve) New Codes
Reviews new and revised neurostimulator-related coding changes, including peripheral nerve and cranial nerve service categories. The section also notes deleted and cross-referenced code activity.
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Vagus Nerve Stimulator
Discusses cranial nerve stimulation services and the associated revisions to reporting structure for related implant, revision, and removal services. It also covers the updated relationship to older code references.
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Destruction by Neurolytic Agent (eg, Chemical, Thermal, Electrical or Radiofrequency) New Code and Guidelines
Introduces a new CPT code and related guidance for salivary gland chemodenervation. The section places the service in a broader clinical context without detailing reporting outcomes.
What You Will Learn
- Which CPT pain medicine categories were revised in the 2011 codebook
- How the article organizes guidance for injection, neurostimulator, and neurolytic services
- Which sections include related imaging and modifier updates
- How the article frames new and deleted pain medicine codes in historical context
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding educators
- Compliance staff
- Pain medicine clinicians
- Revenue cycle professionals
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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