In simple words: The doctor injects a numbing medicine into a specific nerve cluster in your neck to relieve pain in your arms, head, neck, or chest. This is often used to treat a type of chronic pain called complex regional pain syndrome.

This procedure involves the injection of an anesthetic agent into the stellate ganglion (cervicothoracic ganglion), a part of the sympathetic nervous system located at the sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae.Fluoroscopy is typically used for precise needle placement. This nerve block is primarily used to alleviate pain in the upper extremities, head, neck, and heart, often stemming from conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome type I (reflex sympathetic dystrophy).

Example 1: A patient presents with intractable pain in their right arm following a brachial plexus injury. A stellate ganglion block is performed to assess the contribution of sympathetic nervous system activity to their pain, and potentially provide relief., A patient with complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I) experiences severe pain and swelling in their left hand. A series of stellate ganglion blocks are planned as part of a comprehensive pain management strategy., A patient suffers from post-herpetic neuralgia involving the right side of their face and neck. A stellate ganglion block is considered to reduce the neuropathic pain component.

* Detailed history and physical examination documenting the pain location, character, duration, and severity.* Imaging studies (e.g., X-rays, MRI) to confirm the diagnosis and exclude alternative causes of pain.* Documentation of the procedure including the approach, needle placement confirmed by fluoroscopy, type and amount of anesthetic injected, and any complications.* Post-procedure assessment of pain relief and any side effects.

** This code is for a single stellate ganglion block. Multiple blocks or additional procedures should be coded separately.Always refer to the most up-to-date CPT manual for complete and accurate coding guidelines.