Post-operative nerve blocks are a valuable component of anesthesia care — enhancing patient comfort, reducing opioid use, and supporting faster recovery. But from a coding and billing standpoint, clarity is key.
CPT 64447 = Injection, anesthetic agent; femoral nerve, single
This code is commonly used when documenting post-operative analgesia for knee and lower-extremity procedures. However, the challenge often lies in how these blocks are documented and referenced in the anesthesia record or operative note.
- You might see it referred to as:
- Femoral nerve block
- Adductor canal block
- Saphenous nerve block
Key Reminders:
• Ensure documentation supports the nerve targeted and that it was performed separately from the surgical anesthesia.
• Append modifier -59 when the block is distinct from the intra-operative anesthesia service.
When properly documented, these blocks not only improve patient care — they reflect the full scope of anesthesia services provided.
Question for my anesthesia coders and providers:
What’s your most common documentation challenge when reporting post-operative blocks?
#AnesthesiaCoding #MedicalCoding #AnesthesiaBilling #RegionalAnesthesia #PostOpPainManagement #Compliance #RevenueIntegrity
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