2025 CPT code 64486
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Nervous System Feed
Unilateral transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block by injection(s); includes imaging guidance if performed.
Modifier 50 (Bilateral Procedure) is applicable if the procedure is performed on both sides.Add-on codes may also be applicable depending on additional services performed.
Medical necessity for a TAP block would be supported by documentation of significant abdominal pain related to surgery, trauma, or other medical conditions. The procedure should be considered medically necessary when other pain management methods have failed or are contraindicated.
The physician or qualified healthcare professional is responsible for preparing the patient, identifying the injection site (often using imaging guidance), inserting the needle into the TAP space, injecting the anesthetic, monitoring the spread of the anesthetic, and ensuring proper analgesia is achieved. Post-procedural care and monitoring may also be included in the physician's responsibility.
- Nervous System
- Introduction/Injection of Anesthetic Agent (Nerve Block), Diagnostic or Therapeutic Procedures on the Somatic Nerves
In simple words: This code covers a single injection or multiple injections of numbing medicine and/or steroid into a specific area of the abdomen to reduce pain.The doctor may use imaging (like ultrasound) to help guide the injection, but that's included in the cost.
This code reports a unilateral transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block performed using injection(s) of anesthetic agent(s) and/or steroid(s).The procedure involves injecting the agent into the TAP, a space between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles. Imaging guidance, such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy, may be used and is included in the code.The injection aims to provide analgesia to the abdominal wall.Multiple injections at the same site are included.
Example 1: A patient is scheduled for a lower abdominal surgery.A unilateral TAP block is performed pre-operatively to reduce post-operative pain., A patient presents with chronic abdominal pain. A unilateral TAP block is performed therapeutically to alleviate the pain., A patient has undergone a recent abdominal procedure and is experiencing significant post-operative pain. A unilateral TAP block is administered to provide pain relief.
Detailed operative note including: indication for the block, imaging used (if any), location of injection, type and amount of anesthetic and/or steroid injected, description of needle placement technique, documentation of spread of the anesthetic, patient tolerance, and post-procedure assessment of pain relief.
** Imaging guidance (ultrasound, fluoroscopy) is an inclusive component of this code. Multiple injections at the same site are included in the code.For bilateral blocks, use code 64488.
- Revenue Code: P6C (Minor Procedures - Other)
- RVU: This information is not available in the provided sources.Consult the AMA CPT manual or other relevant fee schedules for RVU information.
- Global Days : Information not available in provided sources.Consult the AMA CPT manual or other relevant fee schedules for global period details.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: This information is not available in provided sources.Consult the AMA CPT manual for TC modifier guidelines.
- Fee Schedule : Fee schedule information varies by payer and location; consult specific fee schedules for historical data.
- Specialties:Anesthesiology, Pain Management, Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center