03/14/2017
Correct Billing for 64450
Medicare no longer allows billing of code 64450 (peripheral nerve block). What code should we use for this (i.e. for tarsal tunnel injection)?
Regarding coverage for CPT 64450, this service is still covered by Medicare. However, common diagnoses that may warrant this service (such as pain or neuropathy) are not considered medically necessary as per the Medicare carrier. A list of diagnosis codes that are not medically necessary can be found in the following link for the LCD policy:
For alternate codes that may be billed, consider using one of the two following CPTs for tarsal tunnel injections:
- 20550: Injection(s); single tendon sheath, or ligament, aponeurosis (e.g., plantar “fascia”)
- 20551: Injection(s); single tendon origin/insertion