Relievant Medsystems announced today that two new Category I Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes are now in effect for Intracept.
Minneapolis-based Relievant designed its Intracept device and procedure to treat chronic low back pain (CLBP) from degenerative disc disease with Modic changes. It involves a minimally invasive procedure that targets the basivertebral nerve with radiofrequency-based ablation.
The new CPT codes — which went into effect as of Jan. 1, 2022 — include 64628 for the thermal destruction of the intraosseous basivertebral nerve, including all imaging guidance — first two vertebral bodies lumbar or sacral. The CPT code 64629 is for the thermal destruction of the intraosseous basivertebral nerve, including all imaging guidance — each additional vertebral body, lumbar or sacral.
Relievant said in a news release that the codes follow the designation of a new ICD-10 diagnosis code specifically for vertebrogenic low back pain (M54.51) from the CDC. The diagnosis code went into effect in 2021.
“The Intracept procedure is a significant breakthrough in the treatment of CLBP and has already changed the lives of thousands of patients,” Relievant Medsystems President & CEO Tyler Binney said in the release. “Obtaining CPT I codes is an important milestone and critical step in our effort to establish widespread insurance coverage and reimbursement, so that more patients can benefit from the life-changing benefits of the Intracept procedure.”
