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Official Description

Neuroplasty and/or transposition; cranial nerve (specify)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Neuroplasty and/or transposition of a cranial nerve is a surgical procedure aimed at alleviating nerve entrapment, which can occur due to various factors such as inflammation of adjacent tissues, the presence of a tumor or mass, or the formation of scar tissue and adhesions. This procedure involves making an incision in the skin over the affected nerve, followed by careful dissection of the surrounding soft tissues to expose the nerve. Once the nerve is identified, any scar tissue or adhesions that may be compressing or irritating the nerve are meticulously dissected away. In some cases, additional structures, including fascia or ligaments, may need to be divided to further relieve pressure on the nerve. If necessary, the nerve can be repositioned to ensure that it is no longer compressed. After the nerve has been adequately freed from any surrounding tissue and impinging structures, the soft tissues are then closed in layers to promote proper healing and recovery.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The neuroplasty and/or transposition of a cranial nerve is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Nerve Entrapment - This condition occurs when a nerve is compressed or irritated by surrounding tissues, leading to pain, weakness, or sensory disturbances.
  • Inflammation - Inflammation of the tissues surrounding the nerve can contribute to nerve entrapment and may necessitate surgical intervention.
  • Presence of Tumors or Masses - Tumors or other masses that exert pressure on the cranial nerve can lead to dysfunction, requiring neuroplasty or transposition to relieve the compression.
  • Scar Tissue and Adhesion Formation - Previous surgeries or injuries may result in scar tissue that adheres to the nerve, causing entrapment and necessitating surgical release.

2. Procedure

The procedure for neuroplasty and/or transposition of a cranial nerve involves several critical steps to ensure successful treatment of nerve entrapment:

  • Step 1: Incision - The procedure begins with making an incision in the skin over the affected cranial nerve. This incision allows access to the underlying tissues and the nerve itself.
  • Step 2: Dissection of Soft Tissues - Following the incision, the surgeon carefully dissects the soft tissues surrounding the nerve. This step is crucial for exposing the nerve and identifying any structures that may be contributing to its entrapment.
  • Step 3: Identification of the Nerve - Once the soft tissues are dissected, the surgeon identifies the cranial nerve that is affected. This identification is essential for the subsequent steps of the procedure.
  • Step 4: Release of Scar Tissue and Adhesions - The surgeon then meticulously dissects any scar tissue or adhesions that are adhering to the nerve. This step is vital to relieve any compression or irritation that the nerve may be experiencing.
  • Step 5: Division of Impinging Structures - If necessary, additional structures such as fascia or ligaments may be divided to further relieve pressure on the nerve. This ensures that the nerve has adequate space to function properly.
  • Step 6: Nerve Relocation (if needed) - In some cases, the nerve may be relocated to a different position to alleviate compression. This step is performed based on the specific circumstances of the nerve entrapment.
  • Step 7: Closure of Soft Tissues - After the nerve has been adequately freed from surrounding tissue and impinging structures, the surgeon closes the soft tissues in layers. This layered closure promotes optimal healing and recovery.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for neuroplasty and/or transposition of a cranial nerve typically involves monitoring for any signs of complications, managing pain, and ensuring proper healing of the surgical site. Patients may be advised to limit certain activities during the initial recovery period to prevent strain on the surgical area. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the success of the procedure and to monitor the function of the cranial nerve. Rehabilitation or physical therapy may also be recommended to aid in recovery and restore normal function.

Short Descr REVISION OF CRANIAL NERVE
Medium Descr NEUROPLASTY &/TRANSPOSITION CRANIAL NERVE
Long Descr Neuroplasty and/or transposition; cranial nerve (specify)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
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) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply 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 Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P5E - Ambulatory procedures - other
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 6 - Decompression peripheral nerve

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

64727 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Internal neurolysis, requiring use of operating microscope (List separately in addition to code for neuroplasty) (Neuroplasty includes external neurolysis)
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).
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
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.
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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).
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
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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