Summary & Overview
CPT 64760: Abdominal Vagotomy to Reduce Gastric Secretion
CPT code 64760 represents an abdominal vagotomy procedure in which one or more branches of the vagus nerve are severed or removed to reduce gastric secretion when less invasive measures do not control ulcer disease. The code captures a specific surgical intervention used in refractory peptic ulcer management and remains clinically relevant where medical therapy or endoscopic approaches are insufficient or contraindicated. Nationally, accurate coding of this procedure matters for clinical documentation, surgical quality measurement, and payment integrity.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of coding intent and clinical context, typical sites of service, and which payers commonly process claims for this service. The publication provides benchmarks where available, summarizes relevant policy considerations affecting coverage and prior authorization, and outlines implications for surgical service lines and revenue cycle workflows. Data not available in the input are clearly identified where applicable. This resource is intended to help coding, billing, and clinical teams understand the purpose and use of CPT code 64760 in national practice settings.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 64760 describes a surgical procedure in which the provider severs or removes one or more branches of the vagus nerve through the abdomen to reduce the rate of gastric secretion when other measures fail to control ulcer disease. This procedure is a form of vagotomy performed via an abdominal approach.
-
Service type: Surgical vagotomy (abdominal approach)
-
Typical site of service: Hospital operating room or ambulatory surgical center
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult with chronic, recurrent peptic ulcer disease that has failed maximal medical therapy, including proton pump inhibitors, H. pylori eradication when indicated, and endoscopic interventions. The patient presents with ongoing epigastric pain, evidence of acid-related mucosal injury on endoscopy, or complications such as refractory bleeding or recurrent ulceration despite optimized medical care. Preoperative evaluation includes history and physical, nutritional assessment, anesthesia evaluation, and informed consent discussing risks of vagotomy (e.g., diarrhea, gastric emptying changes). The operative workflow involves general anesthesia, laparoscopic or open abdominal access, identification of the vagus nerve branches to the stomach, and selective severing (truncal or highly selective) of one or more vagal branches to reduce gastric acid secretion. Postoperative care includes monitoring for complications, pain control, diet advancement, and follow-up with the surgical team and gastroenterology for medication adjustments and surveillance.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | Unspecified | Rarely used; not clinically specific for this procedure and generally avoided when a specific modifier applies |
11 |