64746 Incise diaphragm nerve
Also known as: phrenic nerve incision, phrenic nerve sectioning
Surgical incision and sectioning of the phrenic nerve (Cranial Nerve XI) to treat intractable hiccoughs or provide diaphragmatic paralysis for therapeutic purposes.
In Plain Language
diaphragm nerve surgery; hiccough treatment
Clinical Context
Historically used for intractable hiccoughs unresponsive to medical management. Now rarely performed due to effective medical treatments. May be used therapeutically for specific pulmonary conditions.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 6.40 |
| Total RVU | 6.40 |
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 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 6.40, this code ranks in the 42nd percentile among Surgery codes — 1.2x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 64746?
CPT 64746 (Incise diaphragm nerve) is a Surgery code. Surgical incision and sectioning of the phrenic nerve (Cranial Nerve XI) to treat intractable hiccoughs or provide diaphragmatic paralysis for therapeutic purposes.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 64746?
The work RVU for CPT 64746 is 6.40. This code is primarily used by Thoracic Surgery, Neurosurgery, General Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 64746 used?
Historically used for intractable hiccoughs unresponsive to medical management. Now rarely performed due to effective medical treatments. May be used therapeutically for specific pulmonary conditions.
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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.