64420 Njx aa and/or strd ntrcost nerve 1
Also known as: intercostal nerve block, intercostal nerve injection, chest wall pain relief
Injection of anesthetic and/or steroid into intercostal nerve, first injection. This is the initial injection of medication to an intercostal nerve for rib or chest wall pain.
In Plain Language
pain relief injection for rib nerves
Clinical Context
Used for post-thoracotomy pain, rib fractures, postherpetic neuralgia, and other intercostal neuralgia.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.05 |
| Total RVU | 1.05 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 0-day global period, meaning pre- and post-operative E&M visits are billable separately on the same day. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 1.05, this code ranks in the 5th percentile among Surgery codes — 7.6x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 64420?
CPT 64420 (Njx aa and/or strd ntrcost nerve 1) is a Surgery code. Injection of anesthetic and/or steroid into intercostal nerve, first injection. This is the initial injection of medication to an intercostal nerve for rib or chest wall pain.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 64420?
The work RVU for CPT 64420 is 1.05. This code is primarily used by Anesthesiology, Pain Management.
When is CPT 64420 used?
Used for post-thoracotomy pain, rib fractures, postherpetic neuralgia, and other intercostal neuralgia.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.