2025 CPT code 64831
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Nervous System Surgery Feed
Suture of a single digital nerve in the hand or foot.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure.For example, modifier 22 (increased procedural services) may be used if the procedure is more complex than usual.Modifiers 51 (multiple procedures) and 59 (distinct procedural service) may apply in scenarios involving multiple procedures or distinct services.Consult the CPT manual and NCCI edits for specific rules.
Medical necessity for 64831 is established when there is a complete or partial severance of a digital nerve in the hand or foot resulting in significant functional impairment. The repair is deemed medically necessary to restore sensory and/or motor function and prevent long-term complications like neuroma formation.
The surgeon performs the microsurgical repair of the digital nerve. This involves meticulous dissection to expose the nerve, precise trimming of damaged ends, and careful suturing to reconnect the nerve without tension.Post-operative care and follow-up may be provided by the surgeon or other healthcare professionals.
In simple words: This code describes the surgical repair of a damaged nerve in a finger or toe. The doctor carefully sews the nerve back together to restore feeling and/or movement.
This CPT code 64831 represents the surgical repair of a single digital nerve located in the hand or foot.The procedure involves accessing the nerve (either through an existing wound or a new incision), carefully dissecting to expose the nerve, trimming damaged ends to expose healthy tissue, and meticulously suturing the healthy nerve ends together under magnification to prevent tension.If the nerve has both motor and sensory functions, nerve fibers are grouped and sutured accordingly. The wound or incision is then closed.
Example 1: A patient presents with a deep laceration to the right index finger, completely severing the digital nerve. The surgeon performs a repair using 64831., A patient sustains a crush injury to the left thumb, damaging two digital nerves. The surgeon repairs both nerves, reporting 64831 and one unit of +64832., A patient experiences a partial laceration to the right ring finger, resulting in damage to a sensory digital nerve. The surgeon repairs the nerve, using 64831.
Complete operative report detailing the surgical procedure, including the specific nerve(s) repaired, the use of magnification (e.g., operating microscope or loupes), the technique used for the repair, and the number of nerves repaired.Preoperative and postoperative assessment notes, including any sensory or motor deficits, should also be included.Imaging studies (if any) should be documented.
** The provided text mentions the potential use of an operating microscope (code +69990).The use of this microscope should be documented for proper coding and reimbursement.Also note the add-on code 64832 for additional nerves.
- Revenue Code: P5E (AMBULATORY PROCEDURES - OTHER)
- RVU: This information requires access to a current relative value unit (RVU) database.RVUs vary depending on geographic location and other factors. Consult your local payer's fee schedule for accurate values.
- Global Days : The global surgical period for this procedure is not explicitly defined in the provided data.Consult your local payer's guidelines for specific details.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier does not typically apply to 64831 as this CPT code generally encompasses the entire service. However, consult the CPT guidelines and local payer rules for any exceptions.
- Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedule data is not available in the provided source and would require access to historical payer-specific fee schedules.
- Specialties:Plastic Surgery, Hand Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient), other locations as appropriate based on clinical setting.