64520 N block lumbar/thoracic
Also known as: lumbar sympathetic block, thoracic sympathetic block, sympathetic chain block
Nerve block of the lumbar or thoracic sympathetic chain through injection of anesthetic and/or steroid medication.
In Plain Language
sympathetic nerve pain injection; leg/chest sympathetic relief
Clinical Context
Used for complex regional pain syndrome, phantom limb pain, and lower extremity neuropathic pain. Blocks sympathetic innervation.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.32 |
| Total RVU | 1.32 |
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 1.32, this code ranks in the 7th percentile among Surgery codes — 6.1x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 64520?
CPT 64520 (N block lumbar/thoracic) is a Surgery code. Nerve block of the lumbar or thoracic sympathetic chain through injection of anesthetic and/or steroid medication.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 64520?
The work RVU for CPT 64520 is 1.32. This code is primarily used by Pain Management, Anesthesiology, Physiatry.
When is CPT 64520 used?
Used for complex regional pain syndrome, phantom limb pain, and lower extremity neuropathic pain. Blocks sympathetic innervation.
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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.