64771 Sever cranial nerve
Also known as: cranial nerve section, trigeminal rhizotomy
Surgical sectioning or transection of a cranial nerve to interrupt pain pathways or modify nerve function for therapeutic purposes.
In Plain Language
brain nerve cutting; pain pathway interruption
Clinical Context
Historically used for intractable facial pain or trigeminal neuralgia unresponsive to medical management. Modern applications limited due to effective pharmacotherapy and alternative procedures.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 7.95 |
| Total RVU | 7.95 |
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 7.95, this code ranks in the 50th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.0x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 64771?
CPT 64771 (Sever cranial nerve) is a Surgery code. Surgical sectioning or transection of a cranial nerve to interrupt pain pathways or modify nerve function for therapeutic purposes.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 64771?
The work RVU for CPT 64771 is 7.95. This code is primarily used by Neurosurgery, Pain Management, Otolaryngology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 64771 used?
Historically used for intractable facial pain or trigeminal neuralgia unresponsive to medical management. Modern applications limited due to effective pharmacotherapy and alternative procedures.
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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.