64820 Sympathectomy digital artery
Also known as: digital artery sympathectomy, digital sympathectomy
Surgical sympathectomy of the digital arteries in the hand. Performed to improve blood flow to the fingers in cases of severe vascular insufficiency.
In Plain Language
finger artery nerve surgery; hand sympathetic surgery
Clinical Context
Indicated for severe Raynaud's phenomenon, critical ischemia, or gangrene of the fingers refractory to medical management. Aims to preserve finger tissue and prevent amputation.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 10.47 |
| Total RVU | 10.47 |
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 10.47, this code ranks in the 60th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.3x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 64820?
CPT 64820 (Sympathectomy digital artery) is a Surgery code. Surgical sympathectomy of the digital arteries in the hand. Performed to improve blood flow to the fingers in cases of severe vascular insufficiency.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 64820?
The work RVU for CPT 64820 is 10.47. This code is primarily used by Vascular Surgery, Hand Surgery, Plastic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 64820 used?
Indicated for severe Raynaud's phenomenon, critical ischemia, or gangrene of the fingers refractory to medical management. Aims to preserve finger tissue and prevent amputation.
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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.