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The CPT® Code 64872 refers to the procedure of suturing a nerve that requires a secondary or delayed suture. This code is specifically used in situations where the initial nerve repair, known as primary neurorrhaphy, is not sufficient on its own, necessitating additional surgical intervention. The process begins with the exposure of the injured nerve, which is critical for effective repair. Following exposure, external neurolysis is performed; this step involves the meticulous removal of any adhesions or scar tissue that may be impeding the nerve's function. This procedure is typically conducted under microscopic visualization to ensure precision and minimize damage to surrounding tissues. Once the nerve is adequately freed from any obstructions, the actual suture repair can be executed. It is important to note that this code is reported separately in addition to the primary neurorrhaphy code, highlighting its role as a supplementary procedure in complex nerve repair cases.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 64872 is indicated in specific scenarios where a nerve injury necessitates additional surgical intervention beyond the initial repair. The following conditions may warrant the use of this code:
The procedure for CPT® Code 64872 involves several critical steps to ensure the successful repair of the nerve. Each step is essential for achieving optimal outcomes in nerve function restoration.
Post-procedure care following the suture of a nerve with CPT® Code 64872 typically involves monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection and ensuring proper healing. Patients may require follow-up appointments to assess nerve function and recovery progress. Rehabilitation may also be necessary to restore full function and strength to the affected area, depending on the extent of the injury and the complexity of the repair performed. It is essential for healthcare providers to provide detailed instructions regarding activity restrictions and signs of complications that patients should be aware of during their recovery period.
| Short Descr | SUBSEQUENT REPAIR OF NERVE | Medium Descr | SUTURE NERVE REQ SECONDARY/DELAYED SUTURE | Long Descr | Suture of nerve; requiring secondary or delayed suture (List separately in addition to code for primary neurorrhaphy) | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No 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 | Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates | ASC Payment Indicator | Packaged service/item; no separate payment made. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P5E - Ambulatory procedures - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 9 - Other OR therapeutic nervous system procedures |
This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.
| 64831 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Suture of digital nerve, hand or foot; 1 nerve | 64832 | Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Suture of digital nerve, hand or foot; each additional digital nerve (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 64834 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 Illustration for Code Suture of 1 nerve; hand or foot, common sensory nerve | 64835 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 Suture of 1 nerve; median motor thenar | 64836 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 Suture of 1 nerve; ulnar motor | 64837 | Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Illustration for Code Suture of each additional nerve, hand or foot (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 64840 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 Illustration for Code Suture of posterior tibial nerve | 64856 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 Illustration for Code Suture of major peripheral nerve, arm or leg, except sciatic; including transposition | 64857 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 Illustration for Code Suture of major peripheral nerve, arm or leg, except sciatic; without transposition | 64858 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 Illustration for Code Suture of sciatic nerve | 64859 | Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Suture of each additional major peripheral nerve (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 64861 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 Suture of; brachial plexus | 64862 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 Suture of; lumbar plexus | 64864 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC A2 Suture of facial nerve; extracranial | 64865 | MPFS Status: Active Code APC J1 ASC J8 Suture of facial nerve; infratemporal, with or without grafting |
| GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | KX | Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |