The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently posted changes to the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits which became effective July 1, 2025. NCCI edits are guidelines set by CMS to promote correct coding by limiting improper billing.
The current edits inappropriately prohibit the billing of the new fascial plane block codes (64466- 64489) when paired with certain surgical procedures. For example, the edit limits the use of the anesthesia codes for sternal debridement codes when paired with the unilateral thoracic fascial plane block code. Many other bilateral cardiac codes are also being impacted by this edit.
ASA has requested these edits be reconsidered and removed in a letter to National Correct Coding Initiative Contractor in December 2024 . ASA is actively working with CMS to get these issues with the edits resolved. Please see this link for the list of the codes that are impacted by the current edit.
Date of last update: July 1, 2025