64490 Injection paravert f jnt c/t 1 lev
Also known as: cervical facet joint injection, thoracic facet injection, zygapophysial joint injection, facet joint injection cervical, cervical facet block
Injection of anesthetic and/or steroid medication into the facet joint area in the cervical/thoracic region at a single spinal level.
In Plain Language
neck/upper back joint pain injection; facet joint numbing shot
Clinical Context
Used for facet joint osteoarthritis, facet syndrome, and mechanical neck pain. Provides both diagnostic and therapeutic benefit.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.77 |
| Total RVU | 1.77 |
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 1.77, this code ranks in the 12th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.5x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 64490?
CPT 64490 (Injection paravert f jnt c/t 1 lev) is a Surgery code. Injection of anesthetic and/or steroid medication into the facet joint area in the cervical/thoracic region at a single spinal level.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 64490?
The work RVU for CPT 64490 is 1.77. This code is primarily used by Pain Management, Physiatry, Anesthesiology.
When is CPT 64490 used?
Used for facet joint osteoarthritis, facet syndrome, and mechanical neck pain. Provides both diagnostic and therapeutic benefit.
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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.