Update on Novitas Denials Involving CPT Code 64450 - Pain Management of Peripheral Nerve Blocks by Injection (Pennsylvania, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey and Delaware)

A recent revision to Novitas Local Coverage Determination (LCD) L32576 set strict coverage limitations for services described by CPT® code 64450 - Injection, anesthetic agent; other peripheral nerve or branch.  The resulting policy did not consider post-operative pain procedures that are reported with code 64450.  We have received word that Novitas will release an update to this policy in the next few weeks.  Denied claims may be submitted for reconsideration once that update is in effect.   Review Novitas LCD postings. The Novitas Carrier Medical Director, Eileen Moynihan, M.D., has been very helpful in helping to resolve this issue.