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Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Bill for Both Catheter and Pump Removal

Published on Fri Apr 11, 2008

Question: One of our physicians removed a morphine pump and intrathecal catheter and entered 62256 for the procedure. I think the code should be 62365 because his incision was at the lumbar region. Am I correct? Nevada Subscriber Answer: You-re correct that you shouldn't report 62256 (Removal of complete cerebrospinal fluid shunt system; without replacement) for the procedure you describe. You should instead bill 62365 (Removal of subcutaneous reservoir or pump, previously implanted for intrathecal or epidural infusion) and 62355 (Removal of previously implanted intrathecal or epidural catheter). Rationale: Intrathecal codes 62365 and 62355 better describe the intrathecal, lumbar procedure than does cerebrospinal shunt code 62256.
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