Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Quiz: Code Peripheral Nerve Procedures
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Code Peripheral Nerve ProceduresQuestion 1 of 20

Which CPT® code is reported for open implantation of a peripheral nerve electrode array (non-sacral)?

64561
64575
64555
64580
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Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Quiz

Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Quiz: Code Peripheral Nerve Procedures

Practice Code Peripheral Nerve Procedures in Certified Professional Coder (CPC) with focused quiz questions that help you check what you know, review explanations, and build confidence with test-style prompts.

What this quiz covers

This quiz focuses on Code Peripheral Nerve Procedures, giving you a quick way to practice the rules, question types, and explanations that matter most for Certified Professional Coder (CPC).

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Try each quiz question before looking at the correct answer. Use the explanations to review missed ideas, then come back to similar questions until the pattern feels familiar.

All questions

Question 1

Which CPT® code is reported for open implantation of a peripheral nerve electrode array (non-sacral)?

  1. 64561
  2. 64575 (correct answer)
  3. 64555
  4. 64580
Explanation: CPT® 64575 describes open implantation of a neurostimulator electrode array at a peripheral nerve (excluding sacral nerve) — the correct code for surgically implanting a stimulator electrode directly onto or around a named peripheral nerve through an open incision. Code 64561 describes percutaneous implantation of a sacral nerve electrode; this is a non-sacral peripheral nerve implanted via open approach, excluding both characteristics. Code 64555 describes percutaneous implantation of a peripheral nerve electrode (non-sacral); the approach here is open (surgical incision), not percutaneous. Code 64580 describes open implantation of a sacral nerve electrode array; the peripheral nerve target here is not the sacral nerve. The approach (percutaneous vs. open) and target nerve (peripheral non-sacral vs. sacral) create four codes: 64555, 64561, 64575, and 64580.

Question 2

Which add-on CPT® code reports the second lumbar transforaminal epidural injection at an additional level?

  1. 64480
  2. 64492
  3. 64493
  4. 64484 (correct answer)
Explanation: CPT® 64484 describes injection by transforaminal technique, each additional level, lumbar or sacral (add-on to 64483) — the correct add-on code for each additional lumbar or sacral transforaminal epidural injection performed beyond the first level in the same session. Code 64483 is the primary code for the first lumbar transforaminal epidural injection; only one unit of 64483 is reported regardless of the number of levels, with 64484 reported for each additional level. Code 64480 describes the cervical or thoracic transforaminal epidural additional level add-on (used with 64479); this is a lumbar procedure, requiring 64484. Code 64492 describes the third and additional paravertebral facet joint injection levels (add-on to 64490 cervical/thoracic); facet joint injections differ from transforaminal epidural injections. Code 64493 is the primary lumbar facet joint injection code, not an add-on.

Question 3

Which CPT® code is reported for this single-level lumbar facet nerve radiofrequency ablation?

  1. 64635 (correct answer)
  2. 64633
  3. 64636
  4. 64493
Explanation: CPT® 64635 describes destruction by neurolytic agent (including radiofrequency ablation) of a paravertebral facet joint nerve in the lumbar or sacral region, single level — the correct code for medial branch neurotomy (RFA) targeting lumbar facet joint innervation at one level. Code 64633 describes destruction of a paravertebral facet joint nerve in the cervical or thoracic region, single level; this is a lumbar procedure. Code 64636 is the add-on code for a second (and each additional) lumbar or sacral facet nerve level beyond the first; only one level is treated here. Code 64493 describes injection (not destruction) into a lumbar paravertebral facet joint; RFA is a destructive procedure requiring 64635, not an injection code.

Question 4

Which CPT® code is reported for percutaneous implantation of a sacral nerve stimulator electrode?

  1. 64561 (correct answer)
  2. 64555
  3. 64580
  4. 64575
Explanation: CPT® 64561 describes percutaneous implantation of a neurostimulator electrode array at the sacral nerve — the correct code for fluoroscopically guided placement of a trial or permanent sacral neuromodulation electrode through the sacral foramen without open surgery. Code 64555 describes percutaneous implantation of a neurostimulator electrode array at a peripheral nerve (excluding sacral nerve); sacral nerve stimulation has its own dedicated code (64561). Code 64580 describes open implantation of a sacral nerve electrode array using a surgical incision; the technique here is percutaneous, not open. Code 64575 describes open implantation of a peripheral nerve (excluding sacral) electrode array. The sacral nerve and peripheral nerve (non-sacral) stimulator codes form parallel pairs: percutaneous (64555/64561) and open (64575/64580).

Question 5

Which add-on CPT® code reports the second lumbar facet nerve ablation level in the same session?

  1. 64633
  2. 64493
  3. 64635
  4. 64636 (correct answer)
Explanation: CPT® 64636 describes destruction by neurolytic agent, paravertebral facet joint nerve, lumbar or sacral, each additional level (add-on to 64635) — the correct add-on code for each additional lumbar or sacral medial branch neurotomy (RFA) level performed beyond the first during the same session. Code 64635 is the primary code for the first lumbar facet nerve ablation level; the add-on code 64636 must be used for all additional levels rather than reporting 64635 again. Code 64633 describes cervical or thoracic facet nerve ablation, single level — this is a lumbar procedure. Code 64493 describes lumbar facet joint injection (diagnostic/therapeutic steroid), not radiofrequency ablation (destruction). The correct pairing is 64635 (first level) + 64636 for each additional level, paralleling the cervical structure of 64633 (first) + 64634 (add-on).

Question 6

Which CPT® code is reported for primary repair of the median nerve at the wrist?

  1. 64836
  2. 64831
  3. 64835 (correct answer)
  4. 64840
Explanation: CPT® 64835 describes suture of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel (wrist) level — the correct code for primary microsurgical repair of a lacerated median nerve at the wrist. Code 64836 describes suture of the ulnar nerve at the wrist; the median nerve, not the ulnar nerve, is repaired here. Code 64831 describes suture of a digital nerve (proper or common digital branch); the median nerve trunk at the wrist is a major nerve, not a digital nerve. Code 64840 describes suture of the posterior tibial nerve in the leg — a lower extremity nerve, entirely different anatomy. Correct identification of the specific nerve (median vs. ulnar) and the anatomic level (wrist vs. elbow) determines the appropriate nerve suture code.

Question 7

Which CPT® code is reported for this open carpal tunnel release?

  1. 64721 (correct answer)
  2. 29848
  3. 64719
  4. 64718
Explanation: CPT® 64721 describes neuroplasty and/or transposition of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel — the correct code for open carpal tunnel release performed through a palmar incision with direct visualization and division of the transverse carpal ligament. Code 29848 describes endoscopic wrist surgery with release of the transverse carpal ligament (endoscopic carpal tunnel release), which uses a camera and specialized instruments through a smaller incision; since open technique is used here, 64721 is correct. Code 64719 describes neuroplasty and/or transposition of the ulnar nerve at the wrist (Guyon canal decompression); the median nerve, not the ulnar nerve, is treated here. Code 64718 describes neuroplasty and/or transposition of the ulnar nerve at the elbow (cubital tunnel decompression) — a different nerve and different anatomic location.

Question 8

Which CPT® code is reported for this endoscopic carpal tunnel release?

  1. 64721
  2. 29848 (correct answer)
  3. 64719
  4. 64726
Explanation: CPT® 29848 describes endoscopy of the wrist, surgical, with release of the transverse carpal ligament — the correct code for endoscopic (not open) carpal tunnel release performed with a camera and specialized cutting instrument through a small wrist incision. Code 64721 describes open carpal tunnel release through a palmar incision; the approach here is endoscopic, making 29848 the appropriate code. Code 64719 describes neuroplasty of the ulnar nerve at the wrist — a different nerve (ulnar, not median) and a different procedure. Code 64726 describes neuroplasty of the plantar digital nerve in the foot — an entirely different anatomic location and nerve. The distinction between open (64721) and endoscopic (29848) carpal tunnel release rests solely on the surgical technique.

Question 9

Which CPT® code is reported for the suprascapular nerve block?

  1. 64415
  2. 64450
  3. 64418 (correct answer)
  4. 64417
Explanation: CPT® 64418 describes injection of anesthetic agent into the suprascapular nerve — the correct code for a suprascapular nerve block performed to treat shoulder pain conditions including adhesive capsulitis, rotator cuff disease, and chronic glenohumeral arthritis. Code 64415 describes injection into the brachial plexus — a more proximal block targeting the entire plexus trunk, not a single branch. Code 64450 describes injection into other peripheral nerve or branch not otherwise specified; a specific named code (64418) exists for the suprascapular nerve and takes precedence over the nonspecific 64450. Code 64417 describes injection into the axillary nerve — a different branch of the brachial plexus supplying the deltoid muscle and lateral shoulder skin, distinct from the suprascapular nerve which supplies the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and joint capsule.

Question 10

Which CPT® code is reported for injection of the genicular nerve branches with imaging guidance?

  1. 64493
  2. 64450
  3. 64483
  4. 64454 (correct answer)
Explanation: CPT® 64454 describes injection of anesthetic agent, genicular nerve branches, including imaging guidance — the correct code for injection of all required genicular nerve branches innervating the knee joint (superolateral, superomedial, and inferomedial) as a single reportable service that includes the associated imaging guidance. Code 64493 describes paravertebral facet joint injection in the lumbar or sacral region — a spinal procedure, not a knee nerve injection. Code 64450 describes injection into other peripheral nerve or branch not otherwise specified; 64454 is a specific named code for genicular nerve injection and takes precedence over 64450. Code 64483 describes transforaminal epidural injection in the lumbar or sacral region — a spinal epidural technique unrelated to peripheral knee nerve injection. CPT® 64454 bundles all three required genicular branch injections and the imaging guidance into a single code.

Question 11

Which CPT® code is reported for this single-strand nerve graft of the arm, up to 4 cm?

  1. 64893
  2. 64892 (correct answer)
  3. 64897
  4. 64891
Explanation: CPT® 64892 describes nerve graft, single strand, arm or leg, up to 4 cm — the correct code for a single-strand autograft harvested to bridge a nerve defect in the arm or leg when the graft is 4 cm or less in length. Code 64893 describes a single-strand nerve graft in the arm or leg, more than 4 cm; the graft length is within the 4 cm threshold, excluding 64893. Code 64897 describes a multiple-strand (cable) nerve graft in the arm or leg, up to 4 cm; only a single strand is used here. Code 64891 describes a single-strand nerve graft in the hand or foot, more than 4 cm — wrong on both anatomic region (hand vs. arm) and length threshold. The graft type (single vs. cable strand), anatomic region (hand/foot vs. arm/leg), and length (up to 4 cm vs. more than 4 cm) are the three coding axes.

Question 12

Which CPT® code is reported for a single-level intercostal nerve block?

  1. 64625
  2. 64420 (correct answer)
  3. 64421
  4. 64461
Explanation: CPT® 64420 describes injection of anesthetic agent, intercostal nerve, single level — the correct code for a single intercostal nerve block at one thoracic level. Code 64421 is the add-on code for each additional intercostal nerve level beyond the first; it cannot be reported as a standalone primary code. Code 64461 describes paravertebral block (thoracic, single injection) — a different technique targeting the paravertebral space where nerve roots emerge, not the intercostal nerve in the mid-thorax. Code 64625 is not a current standard intercostal nerve code. The intercostal nerve block series (64420 for single level, 64421 as add-on for each additional level) is distinct from the paravertebral block series (64461-64463).

Question 13

Which CPT® code is reported for neuroplasty of the ulnar nerve at the wrist?

  1. 64719 (correct answer)
  2. 64718
  3. 64836
  4. 64722
Explanation: CPT® 64719 describes neuroplasty and/or transposition of the ulnar nerve at the wrist — the correct code for surgical decompression, neurolysis, or release of the ulnar nerve at the Guyon canal (wrist-level ulnar tunnel syndrome). Code 64718 describes neuroplasty and/or transposition of the ulnar nerve at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome); this procedure is performed at the wrist, not the elbow. Code 64836 describes primary suture repair (laceration repair) of the ulnar nerve at the wrist — a repair of a cut nerve, not a decompression of an entrapment neuropathy. Code 64722 describes decompression of unspecified nerve(s), a nonspecific code used when no named code applies; since 64719 specifically describes ulnar nerve neuroplasty at the wrist, the specific code takes precedence. The wrist (64719) versus elbow (64718) level is the key anatomical differentiator.

Question 14

Which CPT® code is reported for the pudendal nerve block?

  1. 64425
  2. 64450
  3. 64430 (correct answer)
  4. 64435
Explanation: CPT® 64430 describes injection of anesthetic agent into the pudendal nerve — the correct code for a targeted block of the pudendal nerve, used to treat pudendal neuralgia, chronic pelvic pain, and as an anesthetic technique for perineal procedures during childbirth. Code 64425 describes injection into the ilioinguinal and/or iliohypogastric nerve — different nerves in the inguinal region, not the pudendal nerve in the perineum. Code 64450 describes injection into other peripheral nerve or branch not otherwise specified; since a specific named code (64430) exists for the pudendal nerve, 64430 takes precedence over the nonspecific 64450. Code 64435 describes paracervical (uterine) nerve injection, performed to block uterine pain pathways; the pudendal nerve and paracervical/uterine nerve are distinct targets.

Question 15

Which CPT® code is reported for this single-level cervical facet nerve radiofrequency ablation?

  1. 64635
  2. 64636
  3. 64633 (correct answer)
  4. 64634
Explanation: CPT® 64633 describes destruction by neurolytic agent (including radiofrequency ablation) of a paravertebral facet joint nerve in the cervical or thoracic region, single level — the correct code for cervical medial branch neurotomy (RFA) at one level. Code 64635 describes lumbar or sacral facet nerve destruction; this is a cervical procedure, requiring the cervical/thoracic code (64633). Code 64636 is the add-on for each additional lumbar or sacral facet nerve level — not applicable here (lumbar level, and only one level treated). Code 64634 is the add-on for each additional cervical or thoracic facet nerve level beyond the first (paired with 64633); only one level is treated here, so the add-on 64634 is not reported. Cervical/thoracic (64633 + 64634 for additional levels) and lumbar/sacral (64635 + 64636 for additional levels) form distinct pairs.

Question 16

Which CPT® code is reported for this brachial plexus nerve block (single injection)?

  1. 64417
  2. 64418
  3. 64400
  4. 64415 (correct answer)
Explanation: CPT® 64415 describes injection of anesthetic agent into the brachial plexus — the correct code for any single-injection brachial plexus block (interscalene, supraclavicular, infraclavicular, or axillary approach) providing anesthesia for upper extremity surgery. Code 64417 describes injection into the axillary nerve specifically — a single branch of the brachial plexus, not the entire plexus trunk; an axillary nerve block is distinct from a brachial plexus block. Code 64418 describes injection into the suprascapular nerve — a shoulder joint nerve, not the brachial plexus trunk. Code 64400 describes injection into the second or third division of the trigeminal nerve (facial region), unrelated to upper extremity regional anesthesia. The brachial plexus block (64415) covers the entire plexus approach, while individual terminal branch codes (64417/64418) apply to single-branch blocks.

Question 17

Which CPT® code is reported for this ulnar nerve transposition at the elbow?

  1. 64719
  2. 64836
  3. 64718 (correct answer)
  4. 64837
Explanation: CPT® 64718 describes neuroplasty and/or transposition of the ulnar nerve at the elbow — the correct code for any decompression, neuroplasty, or anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve at the cubital tunnel, regardless of whether the nerve is transposed subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or submuscularly. Code 64719 describes neuroplasty and/or transposition of the ulnar nerve at the wrist (Guyon canal), not the elbow; the procedure here targets the elbow. Code 64836 describes suture (primary repair) of the ulnar nerve at the wrist — a laceration repair, not a transposition for entrapment neuropathy. Code 64837 describes suture of the ulnar nerve at the elbow — a repair of a laceration, not a transposition/neuroplasty for cubital tunnel syndrome. Transposition and neuroplasty procedures (64718/64719/64721) are distinct from primary nerve suture repair codes (64836/64837).

Question 18

Which CPT® code is reported for primary repair of a single digital nerve?

  1. 64835
  2. 64836
  3. 64832
  4. 64831 (correct answer)
Explanation: CPT® 64831 describes suture of a digital nerve of the hand or foot, first nerve — the correct code for primary repair of a single digital nerve using microsurgical suture technique. Code 64835 describes suture of the median nerve at the wrist (carpal tunnel level); the digital nerve repaired here is a proper digital nerve of the finger, not the median nerve trunk at the wrist. Code 64836 describes suture of the ulnar nerve at the wrist; the ulnar nerve trunk is not repaired here. Code 64832 is an add-on code for each additional digital nerve repaired beyond the first in the same session; since only one nerve is repaired here, 64832 cannot be reported as a standalone primary code. The distinction between digital nerve repair (64831) and major nerve trunk repair (64835/64836/64840) is based on the caliber and location of the nerve repaired.

Question 19

Which CPT® code is reported for the sciatic nerve block?

  1. 64447
  2. 64449
  3. 64445 (correct answer)
  4. 64448
Explanation: CPT® 64445 describes injection of anesthetic agent, sciatic nerve — the correct code for a single-injection sciatic nerve block performed for surgical or postoperative anesthesia. Code 64447 describes femoral nerve injection (single injection); the femoral nerve and sciatic nerve are distinct targets with separate codes. Code 64449 describes lumbar plexus injection (psoas compartment block), which targets the lumbar nerve roots proximally; the sciatic nerve block is performed distally. Code 64448 describes femoral nerve continuous infusion (catheter); this is a single-injection sciatic block, not a continuous femoral catheter. The correct identification of the nerve blocked (sciatic vs. femoral vs. lumbar plexus) determines the code.

Question 20

Which CPT® code is reported for the greater occipital nerve block?

  1. 64400
  2. 64450
  3. 64418
  4. 64405 (correct answer)
Explanation: CPT® 64405 describes injection of anesthetic agent into the greater occipital nerve — the correct code for a targeted greater occipital nerve block used to treat occipital neuralgia, cluster headache, and cervicogenic headache. Code 64400 describes injection into the second or third division of the trigeminal nerve (V2/V3), which innervates the face — not the occipital scalp. Code 64450 describes injection into other peripheral nerve or branch (not otherwise specified); when a specific named code exists (64405 for greater occipital nerve), the specific code takes precedence over the nonspecific 64450. Code 64418 describes injection into the suprascapular nerve, which is a shoulder joint nerve. When bilateral greater occipital nerve blocks are performed, 64405 is reported twice.