decisionhealth Newsletters, Coder Pink Sheets - 2008 Issue 5 (May)
CMS increases bilateral indicator of certain nerve block fees
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article covers a CMS update to Medicare physician fee schedule payment handling for certain nerve block procedures, including bilateral billing treatment and retroactive effect. It is relevant to pain management and anesthesia coding professionals, practice staff, and anyone tracking Medicare reimbursement changes. The article also summarizes the affected procedure group, related billing scenarios, and a table of Medicare payment rates by setting.
Why This Topic Matters
Understanding this update helps billers and coders recognize which nerve block services were impacted and how Medicare adjusted payment treatment for bilateral reporting. It also matters for practices that may need to review previously submitted claims and align billing workflows with CMS guidance.
Article Sections
-
Bilateral billing update for nerve block procedures
Overview of the CMS Medicare payment update and the general billing scenarios it affects. Covers the timing of the change and the kinds of services included at a broad level.
-
CMS transmittal and claim handling guidance
Discusses the CMS transmittal referenced in the article and the general approach to claims that may need review. Focuses on administrative handling rather than procedure specifics.
-
Medicare bilateral rate table for nerve block codes
Presents the payment table for the affected nerve block procedure group across office, hospital, and ASC settings. Includes the article’s summary of reimbursement impact by code family.
What You Will Learn
- How CMS updated Medicare billing treatment for bilateral nerve block services
- Which broad nerve block procedure group is addressed by the article
- What types of claim review or rebilling considerations are discussed
- How the article organizes Medicare payment information by site of service
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Billing staff
- Pain management practices
- Anesthesia practices
- Revenue cycle professionals
- Compliance staff
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.


Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com