2025 CPT code 64553
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgical Procedures on the Nervous System - Neurostimulator Procedures on the Peripheral Nerves Surgery Feed
Percutaneous implantation of a neurostimulator electrode array targeting a cranial nerve.
Modifiers may be used to indicate increased procedural services (22), multiple procedures (51), or other relevant circumstances per the official CPT® guidelines.
Medical necessity for 64553 is established when conservative treatment options (medication, physical therapy) have failed to provide adequate pain relief for a patient with intractable cranial nerve pain.The procedure must be deemed medically appropriate based on the patient's condition and clinical presentation.
A neurosurgeon or other qualified physician specializing in neurostimulation procedures is responsible for performing the implantation, ensuring proper electrode placement, and verifying system functionality. Post-operative care and follow-up adjustments may involve neurology or pain management specialists depending on the clinical setting and patient needs.
- Surgery
- Surgical Procedures on the Nervous System > Neurostimulator Procedures on the Peripheral Nerves
In simple words: This code describes a surgical procedure where small electrodes are inserted under the skin near a cranial nerve to provide electrical stimulation for pain relief or other medical reasons.The electrodes are connected to a small device placed under the skin that delivers electrical pulses, which is controlled by a device worn externally.
This CPT code, 64553, represents the percutaneous implantation of a neurostimulator electrode array specifically targeting a cranial nerve.The procedure involves inserting electrodes under the skin, connected to a receiver unit implanted subcutaneously. A generator, linked to an antenna on the skin's surface, induces stimulation. This minimally invasive approach contrasts with open surgical techniques. The code encompasses both temporary and permanent electrode placements.Accurate documentation is crucial, detailing the specific cranial nerve targeted and the precise electrode placement.
Example 1: A patient experiencing intractable trigeminal neuralgia undergoes percutaneous implantation of a neurostimulator electrode array targeting the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). Code 64553 is used to bill for this procedure., A patient with severe facial pain due to post-herpetic neuralgia receives percutaneous placement of a neurostimulator electrode array near the seventh cranial nerve.Code 64553 accurately describes the procedure., A patient with glossopharyngeal neuralgia has a neurostimulator electrode array percutaneously implanted near the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX).Code 64553 is appropriate for this neurostimulation procedure.
* Detailed operative report including the specific cranial nerve targeted.* Images (radiological or intraoperative) confirming electrode placement.* Pre-operative and post-operative neurological examinations.* Patient history of pain, including location, duration, and intensity.* Justification for neurostimulation as a treatment option.* Documentation of informed consent.
** This code should only be used when the neurostimulator electrode array is specifically targeted at a cranial nerve.For peripheral nerve stimulation, other CPT codes might be more appropriate.
- Revenue Code: P6C (Minor Procedures - Other)
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Neurosurgery, Neurology, Pain Management
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient), Office-based surgery center