CPT code 64742 designates a surgical neurolytic procedure that transects or forcibly tears the facial nerve or its branches to diminish sensation and relieve refractory facial pain. As an invasive, irreversible intervention, this code captures a high-acuity, specialized surgical service typically performed in hospital operating rooms or specialized surgical centers. Nationally, services billed under this code are important for coverage, utilization review, and clinical decision pathways for patients with severe, treatment-resistant facial pain.

Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of the clinical context for the procedure, common billing considerations, and how payers commonly categorize high-acuity neurolytic facial procedures. The publication also summarizes benchmarks for site-of-service expectations, documentation components that support medical necessity, and typical scenarios prompting use of this procedure code.

The content is geared to billing managers, surgical providers, clinical coders, and policy analysts seeking concise guidance on coding context, payer coverage landscape, and operational considerations for CPT code 64742. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.