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AMA CPT® Assistant - 1997 Issue 9 (September)
Nervous System, 64721 (Q&A) (September 1997)
September 1997 page 10a
Coding Consultation
Nervous System, 64721 (Q&A)
Question
Can our surgeon report the injection of 1% Lidocaine for the carpal tunnel release (code 64721) even though the anesthesiologist administered the anesthesia?
AMA Comment
On page 53 of CPT 1997 under Listed Surgical Procedures, it states, "Listed surgical procedures include operation per se, local infiltration, metacarpal/digital block or topical anesthesia when used, and normal, uncomplicated follow-up care. This concept is referred to as a 'package' for surgical procedures." Since a 1% Lidocaine injection is considered a local infiltration, it is included in the procedure performed...
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