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VATS w/Intercostal Nerve Cryoabaltion

Date: May 17, 2023

Question:

Is it appropriate to bill for cryoablation of intercostal nerve(s) for the same surgeon that is performing a VATS procedure (or sometimes open thoracotomy procedure)? Per CPT Assistant (November 2019), code 64620 should not be billed because the procedure is to control pain, which is inherent to the global surgical package. Is this correct?

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