Ask Dr. Z

Which code should we use for the procedure below? Is unlisted code 64999 appropriate for this?

"The skin was anesthetized with 1% local lidocaine anesthetic. Using serial CT guidance, a 22 gauge 5 cm radiofrequency ablation needle with 5 mm uninsulated tip was advanced to the left C2 dorsal root ganglion. Sensory testing was performed at 50 Hertz up to 2 volts. Appropriate position was confirmed, and thermal radiofrequency ablation was performed for 90 seconds at 80 degrees Celsius. A mixture of 1:1 dexamethasone (10 mg/mL) and Bupivacaine (0.5%) was combined. This steroid: anesthetic mixture was instilled using a total of 1 mL. The needle was removed, and a sterile dressing applied."