You could use the open procedure code for comparison, 64718 (Neuroplasty and or/transposition; ulnar nerve at elbow), or the endoscopic carpal tunnel release code 29848 (Endoscopy, wrist, surgical, with release of transverse carpal ligament). *This response is based on the best information available as of 5/23/19.
CPT code 29848 describes endoscopic release of the transverse carpal ligament of the wrist. CPT code 64721 describes a neuroplasty and/or transposition of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel and includes open release of the transverse carpal ligament.
Things to remember
Open carpal tunnel release (CPT 64721) is a Group 2 procedure, reimbursed at $446, nearly three times less than the endoscopic procedure. It was around this time that more surgeons began discovering the benefits of minimally invasive surgical techniques for carpal tunnel release.
Comparing ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-PCS: Release In the ICD-9-CM Alphabetic Index locate the main term “release,” followed by subterm “carpal tunnel (for nerve decompression)” which identifies code 04.43, Release of carpal tunnel.
CPT Code: 64721 Release of the transverse carpal ligament is known as “carpal tunnel release” surgery.
ICD-10 Code for Carpal tunnel syndrome, left upper limb- G56. 02- Codify by AAPC.
External. Open approach is cutting through the skin or mucous membrane and any other body layers necessary to expose the site of the procedure. If procedures are performed using the open approach with percutaneous endoscopic assistance or hand-assisted laparoscopy they are coded as open.
ICD-10-PCS has a seven character alphanumeric code structure. Each character contains up to 34 possible values. Each value represents a specific option for the general character definition (e.g., stomach is one of the values for the body part character).
During open carpal tunnel release surgery, the transverse carpal ligament is cut. This releases pressure on the median nerve and relieves the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. An incision is made at the base of the palm of the hand. This allows the doctor to see the transverse carpal ligament.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed by billing system query using Common Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for all patients who underwent open carpal tunnel release (CTR) (CPT code 64721) and/or open cubital tunnel surgery (CPT code 64718) by 1 of 4 hand surgeons from August 2008 to July 2013.
CPT code 64718 is used to describe Transposition and/or neuroplasty of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. This code is used commonly to report simple decompression of the ulnar nerve, such as anterior transposition or subcutaneous transposition.
01 - Carpal tunnel syndrome, right upper limb. G56. 01 - Carpal tunnel syndrome, right upper limb is a topic covered in the ICD-10-CM.
04.43 Release of carpal tunnel - ICD-9-CM Vol. 3 Procedure Codes.
M79. 641 - Pain in right hand. ICD-10-CM.