AMA CPT® Assistant - 2007 Issue 12 (December)
Surgery: Nervous System (December 2007)
December 2007 page 13c Bonus Feature: Surgery: Nervous System Question: How would phenol injections to the superior hypogastric plexus be reported when, following multiple-needle positioning attempts at the right and left L5 region, the procedure is discontinued due to the patient's increased heart rate and suboptimal dye spread? Answer: Code 64681 , Destruction by neurolytic agent, with or without radiologic monitoring; superior hypogastric plexus , should be reported once with modifier 53, Discontinued procedure , appended. Modifier 53 indicates that due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician elected to terminate a procedure. Surgery:...
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Article Overview
This article is a short CPT Assistant bonus feature in the nervous system surgery category. It presents a single coding question about a discontinued interventional pain procedure and explains the relevant reporting approach in the context of procedure termination and modifier usage. It is useful for coders, billing staff, and physicians working with neurology, pain management, and surgical coding guidance.
Why This Topic Matters
This content helps readers identify the correct CPT reporting framework for a procedure that was started but not completed because of patient safety concerns. It is relevant to coding accuracy, claim reporting consistency, and understanding when a discontinued procedure designation may apply.
Article Sections
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December 2007 page 13c
A brief CPT Assistant bonus feature from December 2007 in the surgery nervous system category. The section presents a coding question and answer related to an incomplete procedure.
What You Will Learn
- The article’s focus and clinical context
- How CPT Assistant addresses discontinued procedures
- The type of coding guidance discussed for nervous system surgery content
- The role of modifiers in reporting terminated services
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Billing staff
- Pain management practices
- Neurology and neurosurgery offices
- Physician documentation staff
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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