Anesthesia Coding Alert
Submit 'Unlisted' 64999 for Internal Pump Repositioning
Question: A patient has an implanted pain pump. She is not due for a replacement, but wants the pump moved to another pocket. I know CPT® includes codes for revision or repositioning of the catheters, but I don’t see a code for repositioning an implantable pump. What do you recommend? New Mexico Subscriber Answer: The current volume of CPT® includes pump related codes such as 62362 (Implantation or replacement of device for intrathecal or epidural drug infusion; programmable pump, including preparation of pump, with or without programming) and 62365 (Removal of subcutaneous reservoir or pump, previously implanted for intrathecal or epidural infusion), but neither of these accurately represents the procedure you describe. Because no code matches the situation, your best option is to report 64999 (Unlisted procedure, nervous system). Be sure to include a cover letter stating why you opted for an unlisted code, explaining in simple, straightforward language exactly what your physician did. You should also provide an existing example code with similar work value to compare for pricing the unlisted procedure.
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