64818 Sympathectomy lumbar
Also known as: lumbar sympathectomy, lumbar sympathetic block surgical
Surgical sympathectomy of the lumbar sympathetic chain. Interrupts sympathetic innervation to the lower extremities to improve blood flow or reduce pain.
In Plain Language
lower back nerve surgery; leg nerve sympathetic surgery
Clinical Context
Indicated for lower extremity CRPS, severe Raynaud's phenomenon, intermittent claudication, or pain syndromes. May be performed open or endoscopically.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 11.06 |
| Total RVU | 11.06 |
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 11.06, this code ranks in the 62nd percentile among Surgery codes — 1.4x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 64818?
CPT 64818 (Sympathectomy lumbar) is a Surgery code. Surgical sympathectomy of the lumbar sympathetic chain. Interrupts sympathetic innervation to the lower extremities to improve blood flow or reduce pain.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 64818?
The work RVU for CPT 64818 is 11.06. This code is primarily used by Vascular Surgery, General Surgery, Pain Management. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 64818 used?
Indicated for lower extremity CRPS, severe Raynaud's phenomenon, intermittent claudication, or pain syndromes. May be performed open or endoscopically.
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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.