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Official Description

Insertion or replacement of peripheral, sacral, or gastric neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver, requiring pocket creation and connection between electrode array and pulse generator or receiver

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 64590 refers to the procedure involving the insertion or replacement of a neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver that is peripheral, sacral, or gastric in nature. This procedure is essential for patients requiring nerve stimulation therapy, which is utilized to manage various medical conditions. The neurostimulator generates electrical impulses that are delivered to specific electrodes implanted in the body, targeting areas such as the bladder, bowel, or stomach. For instance, a gastric neurostimulator is specifically designed to deliver mild electrical impulses to the antrum of the stomach, aiding in the treatment of gastroparesis, a condition characterized by delayed gastric emptying. Similarly, sacral neurostimulators are employed to restore normal bladder or bowel function by sending electrical impulses to the sacral nerves. Peripheral nerve stimulation is directed towards specific areas to alleviate chronic pain. During the procedure described by CPT® Code 64590, a surgical incision is made at the site where the neurostimulator will be inserted, typically in the lower abdomen or lower back. A subcutaneous pocket is created to house the pulse generator or receiver. The electrodes, which are usually implanted in a separate procedure, are then connected to the new generator or receiver, and the system is tested to ensure proper functionality. The stimulation parameters are adjusted as necessary before the device is securely placed in the pocket and the incision is closed with sutures. In cases where a replacement is needed, the existing generator or receiver is first removed through a similar incision, followed by the connection of the new device to the electrodes. This procedure is critical for maintaining the effectiveness of neurostimulation therapy and ensuring that patients continue to receive the necessary treatment for their conditions.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 64590 is indicated for patients who require neurostimulation therapy for various medical conditions. The specific indications include:

  • Gastroparesis - A condition where the stomach cannot empty itself of food in a normal fashion, requiring gastric neurostimulation to improve gastric motility.
  • Bladder Dysfunction - Conditions affecting bladder control, where sacral neurostimulation can help restore normal bladder function.
  • Bowel Dysfunction - Disorders that impair bowel function, for which sacral neurostimulation may provide therapeutic benefits.
  • Chronic Pain - Peripheral nerve stimulation is utilized to manage chronic pain in specific areas of the body.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 64590 involves several critical steps to ensure the successful insertion or replacement of the neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver. The steps are as follows:

  • Step 1: Incision and Pocket Creation - The procedure begins with the surgeon making an incision in the skin over the planned insertion site, which is typically located in the lower abdomen or lower back. This incision allows access to the subcutaneous tissue where the neurostimulator will be placed. A pocket is then fashioned in the subcutaneous tissue to accommodate the pulse generator or receiver.
  • Step 2: Connection of Electrodes - Prior to this procedure, electrodes have been implanted and tunneled to the pocket in a separately reportable procedure. The next step involves connecting these electrodes to the new pulse generator or receiver. The connections are carefully made to ensure proper electrical conduction.
  • Step 3: Testing and Parameter Setting - Once the electrodes are connected, the system is tested to confirm that it is functioning correctly. The stimulation parameters, which dictate the intensity and frequency of the electrical impulses, are set according to the patient's therapeutic needs.
  • Step 4: Device Placement and Closure - After successful testing and parameter adjustments, the pulse generator or receiver is placed securely within the created pocket. The incision is then closed using sutures, ensuring that the device is properly positioned and protected.
  • Step 5: Replacement Procedure - In cases where a replacement is necessary, the existing generator or receiver is first removed. This involves making an incision over the existing device, opening the subcutaneous pocket, and disconnecting the electrodes. The old device is then dissected free from surrounding tissue and removed. The new generator or receiver is subsequently connected to the electrodes, tested, and the stimulation parameters are set before closing the pocket.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for patients undergoing the insertion or replacement of a neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver includes monitoring for any immediate complications such as infection or bleeding at the incision site. Patients are typically advised on activity restrictions to allow for proper healing of the surgical site. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the functionality of the neurostimulator and to make any necessary adjustments to the stimulation parameters. Patients may also receive education on how to manage their device and recognize any signs of malfunction or complications that may require medical attention.

Short Descr INS/RPL PRPH SAC/GSTR NPG/R
Medium Descr INS/RPLC PERPH SAC/GSTRC NPG/RCVR PCKT CRTJ&CONN
Long Descr Insertion or replacement of peripheral, sacral, or gastric neurostimulator pulse generator or receiver, requiring pocket creation and connection between electrode array and pulse generator or receiver
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) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
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 1
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).
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.
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.
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
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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.)
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
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).
55 Postoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the postoperative management and another performed the surgical procedure, the postoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 55 to the usual procedure number.
56 Preoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the preoperative care and evaluation and another performed the surgical procedure, the preoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 56 to the usual procedure number.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
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.
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.
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).
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
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)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
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
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
RE Furnished in full compliance with fda-mandated risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (rems)
SA Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician
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
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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2024-01-01 Changed Short, Medium, and Long Descriptions changed. Guideline information changed.
2007-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2005-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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