Reader Questions: Distinguish Diagnostic From Therapeutic Nerve Block

Why This Topic Matters

Understanding whether a nerve block is considered diagnostic or therapeutic can affect documentation, coverage review, and code reporting accuracy. The article is relevant when CPT section guidance, bundled imaging guidance, and payer expectations are part of the coding decision.

Article Sections

1. Question

   Introduces the reader’s question about how diagnostic and therapeutic injections or nerve blocks differ and how providers determine which type is performed.

2. Answer

   Provides a general explanation of the two categories of nerve blocks and discusses how CPT section guidance frames injection or nerve block reporting.

3. Example

   Describes a broad clinical scenario involving an injection used to evaluate a pain source and notes the documentation and payer considerations raised by that scenario.

4. Remember

   Highlights the need to review whether radiological guidance is reported separately and points to CPT guidance related to imaging guidance inclusion.