2025 CPT code 64488
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Extracranial Nerves, Peripheral Nerves, and Autonomic Nervous System Surgery Feed
Bilateral transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block; by injection.
Modifier 50 (bilateral procedure) is included in the code description.Additional modifiers might be applicable depending on the circumstances of the service delivery (e.g., 22 for increased procedural service, 59 for distinct procedural service).
Medical necessity for a TAP block is typically established based on the patient's anticipated pain level following surgery or other procedures affecting the abdominal wall.Factors considered might include the extent of the procedure, the patient's pain tolerance, and the potential for opioid-related side effects. Payer-specific guidelines and medical necessity criteria may vary.
The physician's responsibility includes patient preparation, marking the injection site, inserting the needle under potential imaging guidance, injecting the anesthetic, and monitoring the anesthetic spread.The physician should document the technique, volume and type of anesthetic used, and the location of the injection sites.
- Surgery
- Surgical Procedures on the Nervous System > Surgical Procedures on the Extracranial Nerves, Peripheral Nerves, and Autonomic Nervous System
In simple words: This code describes a procedure where a doctor numbs a large area of the belly on both sides using injections. This helps manage pain, especially after lower abdominal surgery. The doctor may use imaging to guide the injections.
This CPT code, 64488, represents the bilateral injection of an anesthetic agent into the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.Imaging guidance (such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy) and contrast injection are included components and not separately reported. The procedure involves injecting anesthetic into the TAP, which lies between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles, providing analgesia to the abdominal wall above the umbilicus.This code is reported once for a bilateral procedure.For unilateral injections, use code 64486.
Example 1: A patient is scheduled for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal).A bilateral TAP block is performed pre-operatively to reduce post-operative pain and opioid requirements., A patient presents with severe post-operative pain following a lower abdominal surgery.A bilateral TAP block is administered for pain management., A patient is undergoing a cesarean section.A bilateral TAP block is performed to reduce post-operative pain, improving patient comfort and recovery.
* Detailed description of the procedure performed (bilateral TAP block).* Type and amount of anesthetic agent used.* Use of imaging guidance (if any), specifying the modality (ultrasound, fluoroscopy, etc.).* Documentation of needle placement and spread of anesthetic.* Assessment of pain relief achieved.* Post-procedure monitoring and any complications.* Any relevant images.
** Always refer to the most current CPT codebook and payer-specific guidelines for accurate coding and reimbursement.This information is for guidance only and should not be considered a definitive interpretation of coding rules.
- Revenue Code: P6C (MINOR PROCEDURES - OTHER)
- RVU: This information requires access to specific payer fee schedules and may vary based on location and other factors.RVUs are not explicitly provided in the source data.
- Global Days : The global period for this procedure is not explicitly defined in the source data and needs further investigation based on payer-specific guidelines.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A Technical Component (TC) modifier is not applicable to this code.
- Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedule data is not provided in the source but can be accessed through various commercial medical billing databases.
- Specialties:Anesthesiology, Pain Management, Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center