08/11/2005    Deb Carr, CCS

CPT 64702 vs. 64704

Query: CPT 64702 vs. 64704

For nerve decompression of the toe, do you code
CPT 64702 (neuroplasty; digital, one or both,
same digit) or CPT 64704 (neuroplasty; nerve of
hand or foot)?

Coder's Desk Reference says that CPT 64702 is
for the fingers. I'm not sure if this is a
correct interpretation on their part. CPT
verbiage doesn't limit CPT 64702 to fingers
only. Please clarify the difference between the
two codes.

Deb Carr, CCS
Enola, PA

Codingline Response: Yours is just another
example of sloppiness on the part of the
authors/editors of the Coders’ Desk Reference.
There is nothing in CPT that limits the
term “digit” or “digital” to the
fingers. “Digit” or “digital” refers to either a
finger or toe.

When CPT wants to be explicit (i.e., in
anatomical coding sections), it will
specifically describe a procedure done on the
finger (e.g., CPT 26236 – partial excision of
the distal phalanx of finger) or toe (e.g., CPT
28124 – partial excision of the phalanx of toe).
When neither the toe or finger is specified,
digit-defined procedures [not included in exact
anatomical sections of CPT, e.g., CPT 26xxx and
CPT 28xxx] may swing both ways, as appropriate.
CPT 64704 (neuroplasty; nerve of hand or foot)
would be billed for nerve decompressions
performed on the foot or hand, but not on the
digits.

Harry Goldsmith, DPM
Cerritos, CA

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