CMS issues new CPT code for tibial nerve stimulation

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has published the category I CPT code for posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) in the November 2010 Federal Register, according to Uroplasty Inc., Minneapolis.

The company’s Urgent PC Neuromodulation System is used to provide PTNS and effective Jan. 1, 2011, the procedure will be billed under the new CPT code 64566, with the descriptor "Posterior tibial neurostimulation, percutaneous needle electrode, single treatment, includes programming."

The Urgent PC system is an office-based product for the treatment for urinary urgency, urinary frequency, and urge incontinence.

The relative value units (RVUs) assigned to the new CPT code for PTNS will be 3.82. The conversion factor per RVU that CMS is using from June 1 to Dec. 31, 2010 is $36.87. Based upon the newly published conversion factor of $25.52 per RVU, which is also in this edition of the Federal Register, the base Medicare physician payment for PTNS will be approximately $97.49 per procedure. The conversion factor may vary throughout 2011 as a result of congressional action or CMS rule changes, Uroplasty said.