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Official Description

Nerve repair; with nerve allograft, each nerve, first strand (cable)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 64912 involves the surgical repair of an injured nerve using a nerve allograft, specifically the first strand or cable. This technique is employed to facilitate a tension-free repair, which is crucial for the successful regeneration of nerve fibers, known as axons, following an injury. The process begins with the exposure of the damaged nerve, allowing the surgeon to assess the extent of the injury accurately. Utilizing microscopic visualization, the surgeon carefully debrides and trims the proximal and distal ends of the injured nerve until healthy fascicular structures are identified. This meticulous approach ensures that the repair is made on viable nerve tissue, which is essential for optimal healing. Once the healthy nerve structure is located, the surgeon measures the length of the nerve deficit and the diameter of the nerve to select an appropriately sized nerve allograft, which is typically sourced from a cadaver. The allograft is then prepared and shaped to fit the specific requirements of the repair. The single-strand nerve graft is sutured to the epineurium, the outer layer of the nerve, effectively connecting the proximal and distal ends of the injured nerve while preserving its anatomical integrity. In cases where the nerve diameter is large, additional strands of allograft may be necessary to adequately bridge the gap created by the injury. After the nerve repair is completed, the surrounding soft tissues and skin are meticulously repaired in layers to promote optimal healing. This procedure is critical for restoring nerve function and alleviating symptoms associated with nerve injuries.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 64912 is indicated for patients who have sustained nerve injuries that require surgical intervention to restore function. The following conditions may warrant the use of this procedure:

  • Nerve Injury A traumatic injury to a nerve that disrupts its normal function, potentially leading to loss of sensation, motor function, or both.
  • Axonal Regeneration Support The need to promote the regeneration of axons following a nerve injury, which is essential for restoring nerve function.
  • Tension-Free Repair Requirement Situations where a tension-free repair is necessary to ensure optimal healing and functional recovery of the nerve.

2. Procedure

The procedure for nerve repair using CPT® Code 64912 involves several critical steps to ensure successful outcomes. The first step is the exposure of the injured nerve, which allows the surgeon to evaluate the extent of the damage. This is followed by the use of microscopic visualization to carefully debride and trim the proximal and distal ends of the injured nerve. The goal during this phase is to remove any damaged tissue until healthy fascicular nerve structures are encountered, which is vital for a successful repair.

  • Step 1: Nerve Exposure The surgeon makes an incision to expose the injured nerve, providing access for evaluation and repair.
  • Step 2: Debridement Using microscopic techniques, the surgeon debrides the nerve ends, removing damaged tissue and preparing the nerve for grafting.
  • Step 3: Measurement The length of the nerve deficit and the diameter of the nerve are measured to select an appropriately sized nerve allograft.
  • Step 4: Allograft Preparation An allograft, typically sourced from a cadaver, is prepared and shaped to match the required dimensions for the repair.
  • Step 5: Grafting The single-strand nerve graft is sutured to the epineurium of the damaged nerve, connecting the proximal and distal ends while preserving the nerve's anatomical structure.
  • Step 6: Additional Grafts (if necessary) For larger diameter nerves, additional allograft strands may be utilized to adequately bridge the nerve deficit.
  • Step 7: Soft Tissue Repair After the nerve repair is completed, the overlying soft tissues and skin are repaired in layers to promote healing.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the nerve repair with allograft involves monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection and ensuring proper healing. Patients may be advised on specific rehabilitation protocols to facilitate recovery and promote nerve function restoration. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the healing process and the effectiveness of the nerve repair. The expected recovery time may vary depending on the extent of the injury and the individual patient's healing response. It is crucial for patients to adhere to their healthcare provider's instructions regarding activity restrictions and rehabilitation exercises to optimize outcomes.

Short Descr NRV RPR W/NRV ALGRFT 1ST
Medium Descr NERVE REPAIR W/NERVE ALLOGRAFT FIRST STRAND
Long Descr Nerve repair; with nerve allograft, each nerve, first strand (cable)
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 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) none
MUE 3

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

0882T New Code for 2024 Add on code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC N ASC N1 Intraoperative therapeutic electrical stimulation of peripheral nerve to promote nerve regeneration, including lead placement and removal, upper extremity, minimum of 10 minutes; initial nerve (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
64913 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Nerve repair; with nerve allograft, each additional strand (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
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.
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).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
F9 Right hand, fifth digit
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.
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.
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).
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).
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
F1 Left hand, second digit
F2 Left hand, third digit
F3 Left hand, fourth digit
F4 Left hand, fifth digit
F5 Right hand, thumb
F6 Right hand, second digit
F7 Right hand, third digit
F8 Right hand, fourth digit
FA Left hand, thumb
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)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
T7 Right foot, third digit
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
Date
Action
Notes
2018-01-01 Added Code Added.
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Description
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