tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert - 2011 Issue 8

Reader Question: Don't Be "Blocking the Digits" with Repair Codes

Question: If a physician performs a digital block on a finger and repairs a 2 cm laceration, would the correct codes for these procedures be 64450 (Injection, anesthetic agent; other peripheral nerve or branch) and 12001-51? Thanks so much for any help.Virginia SubscriberAnswer: CPT® states that the digital block is included in the simple laceration repair code stating, The following services are always included in addition to the operation per se:Local infiltration, metacarpal/metatarsal/digital block or topical anesthesiaSubsequent to the decision for surgery, one related Evaluation and Management (E/M) encounter on the date immediately prior to or on the...

To read the full article, sign in and subscribe to tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert.


You have ED coding questions, and we deliver money-in-the-bank answers to help you defeat your claim issues and secure optimal reimbursement.

Stay in the know and avoid federal reproach with your subscription to TCI’s ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert.

  • Current newsletters added each month
  • Fully searchable archives - over 2100 articles
  • ALL years/issues back to 1998 organized by year and issue
  • Codes mentioned in articles are linked to Code Information pages
  • Code Information pages link back to related articles
Access to this feature is available in the following products:
  • tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert +Archives

demo
request yours today
 subscribe
start today
 newsletter
free subscription

Thank you for choosing Find-A-Code, please Sign In to remove ads.