Need help choosing the right code?
Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.
Try CasePilot© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 64412 involves the injection of an anesthetic agent into the spinal accessory nerve, which is also known as cranial nerve XI (CN XI). This nerve plays a crucial role in innervating the trapezius muscle and the posterior triangle of the neck, making it significant in both diagnostic and therapeutic contexts. The injection, commonly referred to as a nerve block, can be utilized to alleviate pain or discomfort associated with conditions affecting the trapezius muscle or surrounding areas. The spinal accessory nerve exits the skull through the jugular foramen and traverses the upper and middle thirds of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, which is a key landmark during the procedure. Prior to the injection, the skin over the junction of the upper and middle thirds of the sternocleidomastoid muscle is thoroughly cleansed to minimize the risk of infection. The posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle is then identified, and a needle is carefully inserted to deliver the anesthetic agent directly into the spinal accessory nerve, providing targeted relief for the patient.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The injection of an anesthetic agent into the spinal accessory nerve is indicated for various conditions that may cause pain or discomfort in the areas innervated by this nerve. The following are explicitly provided indications for this procedure:
The procedure for injecting an anesthetic agent into the spinal accessory nerve involves several key steps that ensure accuracy and safety. Each step is critical for the successful administration of the nerve block.
After the injection of the anesthetic agent into the spinal accessory nerve, patients may be monitored for any immediate adverse reactions. It is important to assess the effectiveness of the nerve block in alleviating pain. Patients may experience temporary numbness or weakness in the areas innervated by the spinal accessory nerve, which is expected. Post-procedure care may include advising the patient to avoid strenuous activities for a short period to allow for recovery. Additionally, follow-up appointments may be scheduled to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of the procedure and to determine if further treatment is necessary.
| Short Descr | N BLOCK INJ SPINAL ACCESSOR | Medium Descr | INJECTION ANESTHETIC AGENT SPINAL ACCESSORY NRV | Long Descr | Injection, anesthetic agent; spinal accessory nerve | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | Not applicable/unspecified. | CCS Clinical Classification | 5 - Insertion of catheter or spinal stimulator and injection into spinal canal |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2016-01-01 | Deleted | Code deleted, to report see 64999 |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.