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Official Description

Percutaneous implantation of neurostimulator electrode array; peripheral nerve (excludes sacral nerve)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 64555 involves the percutaneous implantation of a neurostimulator electrode array targeting a peripheral nerve, excluding the sacral nerve. This procedure is utilized to provide electrical stimulation to specific nerves, which can help in managing pain or other neurological conditions. The process begins with the preparation of the insertion site, ensuring that it is clean and suitable for the procedure. Anatomical landmarks are identified to ensure accurate placement of the electrodes. In many cases, ultrasound guidance may be employed to enhance the precision of the electrode placement, allowing for better visualization of the nerve and surrounding structures. During the procedure, an electrically insulated needle is carefully inserted through the skin and advanced parallel to the targeted peripheral nerve. This technique is crucial as it minimizes the risk of damaging the nerve during insertion. Once the needle is in position, a power source is connected, and stimulation is applied. The clinician evaluates both motor and sensory responses by adjusting the position of the needle until the desired response is achieved, indicating that the electrode is correctly placed. After confirming the appropriate placement, the needle is disconnected from the power source. Subsequently, an electrode array is introduced through the lumen of the needle and positioned adjacent to the peripheral nerve. Finally, the needle is removed, leaving the electrode array in place, which is then connected to an external generator or receiver, completing the implantation process.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 64555 is indicated for various conditions that may benefit from peripheral nerve stimulation. These indications include:

  • Pain Management The procedure is often performed to alleviate chronic pain conditions that are refractory to other treatments.
  • Neuropathic Pain It is indicated for patients suffering from neuropathic pain syndromes, where traditional pain management strategies have failed.
  • Functional Restoration The procedure may be indicated for patients seeking to restore function in areas affected by nerve damage or dysfunction.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the percutaneous implantation of a neurostimulator electrode array involves several critical steps, which are detailed as follows:

  • Preparation of the Insertion Site The first step involves preparing the skin at the planned insertion site to ensure a sterile environment. This may include cleaning the area with antiseptic solutions to reduce the risk of infection.
  • Identification of Anatomical Landmarks The clinician identifies key anatomical landmarks to accurately locate the targeted peripheral nerve. This step is essential for ensuring that the electrode array is placed correctly to achieve optimal stimulation.
  • Ultrasound Guidance If necessary, ultrasound guidance is utilized to visualize the nerve and surrounding structures. This imaging technique aids in the precise placement of the electrodes, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.
  • Insertion of the Electrically Insulated Needle An electrically insulated needle is then inserted through the skin and advanced parallel to the peripheral nerve. This careful insertion minimizes the risk of nerve damage and ensures that the electrode can be positioned accurately.
  • Stimulation and Response Evaluation Once the needle is in place, a power source is connected, and electrical stimulation is applied. The clinician evaluates motor and sensory responses by adjusting the needle's position until the desired response is achieved, indicating that the electrode is correctly positioned.
  • Electrode Array Placement After confirming the appropriate placement through response evaluation, the needle is disconnected from the power source. An electrode array is then passed through the lumen of the needle and positioned next to the peripheral nerve.
  • Removal of the Needle Finally, the needle is carefully removed, leaving the electrode array in place. The electrode is then connected to an external generator or receiver, completing the implantation process.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for patients who have undergone the implantation of a neurostimulator electrode array includes monitoring for any immediate complications, such as infection or bleeding at the insertion site. Patients are typically advised on how to care for the site and may receive instructions regarding activity restrictions to ensure proper healing. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the effectiveness of the stimulation and to make any necessary adjustments to the external generator or receiver. Additionally, patients may be educated on the signs of potential complications that warrant immediate medical attention.

Short Descr IMPLANT NEUROELECTRODES
Medium Descr PRQ IMPLTJ NEUROSTIMULATOR ELTRD PERIPHERAL NRV
Long Descr Percutaneous implantation of neurostimulator electrode array; peripheral nerve (excludes sacral nerve)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 010 - Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 9 - Other OR therapeutic nervous system procedures
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
X2 Continuous/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians whose expertise is needed for the ongoing management of a chronic disease or a condition that needs to be managed and followed with no planned endpoint to the relationship; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to: a rheumatologist taking care of the patient's rheumatoid arthritis longitudinally but not providing general primary care services
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
73 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure prior to the administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may cancel a surgical or diagnostic procedure subsequent to the patient's surgical preparation (including sedation when provided, and being taken to the room where the procedure is to be performed), but prior to the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s) or general). under these circumstances, the intended service that is prepared for but cancelled can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 73. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
74 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
81 Minimum assistant surgeon: minimum surgical assistant services are identified by adding modifier 81 to the usual procedure number.
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
FB Item provided without cost to provider, supplier or practitioner, or full credit received for replaced device (examples, but not limited to, covered under warranty, replaced due to defect, free samples)
FS Split (or shared) evaluation and management visit
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
TR School-based individualized education program (iep) services provided outside the public school district responsible for the student
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
Date
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2018-01-01 Changed AMA guideline added.
2012-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2011-01-01 Changed Guideline information changed.
2002-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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