64772 Incision of spinal nerve
Also known as: spinal nerve rhizotomy, dorsal rhizotomy, nerve root section
Surgical incision and sectioning of a spinal nerve root to interrupt pain pathways or treat nerve dysfunction. May be performed for pain relief or other neurological indications.
In Plain Language
spinal nerve cutting; back nerve surgery
Clinical Context
Historically used for intractable pain syndromes. Modern applications include rhizotomy for spasticity or chronic pain when other treatments fail. Increasingly replaced by neuromodulation techniques.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 7.64 |
| Total RVU | 7.64 |
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 7.64, this code ranks in the 49th 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 64772?
CPT 64772 (Incision of spinal nerve) is a Surgery code. Surgical incision and sectioning of a spinal nerve root to interrupt pain pathways or treat nerve dysfunction. May be performed for pain relief or other neurological indications.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 64772?
The work RVU for CPT 64772 is 7.64. This code is primarily used by Neurosurgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Pain Management. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 64772 used?
Historically used for intractable pain syndromes. Modern applications include rhizotomy for spasticity or chronic pain when other treatments fail. Increasingly replaced by neuromodulation techniques.
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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.